Oregon Lawmakers Punished By Leadership Over Behavior Complaints

PORTLAND, OR – As the Oregon legislature finds itself under investigation because of the behavior of its members dating back several years, two members have now been demoted because of behavior dating back just a few weeks. Both Rep. Mitch Greenlick (D-Portland) and Rep. Bill Post (R-Keizer) were punished Thursday.

House Speaker Tina Kotek announced a shuffling of committee assignments that saw both men taken down a notch or two.

Greenlick was removed from the chairmanship of the House Committee on Health Care though he will be allowed to remain on the committee. He was altogether removed from the House Committee on Conduct.

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During a hearing on a bill that would require drug companies to give 60-days notice before raising prices, Greenlick told a pharmaceutical company lobbyist that over the years he's heard from many in the industry and, "generally, you're not stupid.

"In this case, you appear to be stupid.

While Greenlick apologized, a female Republican member of the committee said that his behavior "troubles me deeply."

He then said he would prefer that she approach him one on one rather than "showboating."

Earlier this month, Greenlick was the subject of a complaint from a different Republican woman on the committee after he cut her off during a hearing.

Meanwhile, Post lost his seat on the House Judiciary Committee after complaints stemming from Twitter feed.

In one tweet, Post referred to state Senator Shemia Fagan (D-Portland) as "cray cray."

In another, he urged a gun rights group to attend a rally being planned by the gun control group, Moms Demand Action.

He has since apologized.