SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Gov. Kate Brown says she’ll continue a death penalty moratorium imposed by her predecessor, John Kitzhaber, who resigned in an ethics scandal.
Brown told reporters Friday at her first news conference as governor that she believes the death penalty should be re-examined.
Kitzhaber announced in 2011 that he would block all executions during his tenure. He was sued unsuccessfully by Gary Haugen, an inmate who wanted to waive his appeals and hasten his death.
Brown, a Democrat, was secretary of state until succeeding Kitzhaber Wednesday.
She said she’ll appoint a new secretary of state next week.
Brown lives in Portland and said she will move with her husband into the governor’s mansion in Salem. Kitzhaber used the residence mostly for ceremonial purposes and stayed usually at his Portland home.
