Report that OR lawmaker groped woman at convention

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Reports that an Oregon state House lawmaker groped a woman’s breast during the recent state AFL-CIO convention in Eugene are being investigated by legislative leaders.

State Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian says the incident involved Democratic Rep. Mike Schaufler of Happy Valley and a Bureau of Labor and Industries staffer.

Avakian, also a Democrat, says the woman was using vacation time to volunteer at the convention on behalf of his congressional campaign.

Avakian contacted Democratic House leaders with the woman’s agreement. He did not identify her to The Oregonian (http://bit.ly/oA8FuG).

Schaufler declined to describe what happened but denied making an “unwanted sexual advance.” He told the newspaper, “This will be resolved.”

House Democratic caucus spokesman Geoff Sugarman says Co-speaker Arnie Roblan and Democratic Leader Tina Kotek are “aware there was an incident involving Rep. Schaufler.” Sugarman says they are talking to those involved.

The Sept. 26 incident was first reported in Willamette Week.

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Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com