SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski leaves office Monday after eight years at the helm.
His tenure was marked by bold visions that were partially accomplished. But Kulongoski also will be remembered as a governor who struggled to curtail joblessness and keep the state budget balanced.
Kulongoski presided over two difficult economies that suppressed his goal of growing high-wage jobs.
His efforts to transform higher education fell apart when his hand-picked leader for the project admitted to previously having a three-year sexual relationship with a teenage girl.
Still, he delivered a major transportation overhaul, health coverage for thousands of uninsured children and a variety of green energy investments.
