The fall of 1993 saw the career of Sen. Robert Packwood of Oregon continue a downward spiral. The senator, once championed as a defender of women's rights, was accused by at least 23 women of making unwanted sexual advances.
When the charges first surfaced in late 1992, Packwood apologized but then turned combative. In February, the Senate Ethics Committee widened its inquiry into the charges to include allegations that Packwood had attempted to discredit the women who had accused him.
Packwood attempted to defend himself, citing passinges from his own personal diaries. But the move backfired. The Ethics Committee subpoenaed the diaries Oct. 21. After Packwood refused to turn them over, Ethics Committee Chairman Richard Bryan said Nov. 1 that the diaries indicated potential criminal misconduct relating to jobs lobbyists offered Packwood's ex-wife.
Packwood maintained that turning over the diaries would violate his privacy. He also hinted that the diaries contained potentially embarrassing details of sexual liaisons among senators and congressional staff members.
On Nov. 2, the Senate voted 94-6 to seek a court order forcing Packwood to turn over his diaries. Sen. Robert Byrd said in a speech that Packwood had "lost his grasp of what it means to be a U.S. senator," and should resign.
For a while it looked as if Packwood might follow Byrd's advice. On Nov. 19, Packwood's lawyer indicated the senator might resign following a meeting with Minority Leader Bob Dole.
However, on the same day, the Justice Department announced it was launching an investigation into the job offers made to Packwood's ex-wife. Packwood then backed away from resigning.
Next, Republican Sen. Nancy Kassebaum called for Packwood to quit, saying his problems had become so consuming that he could no longer be an effective senator for the people of Oregon.
At home, nine of 18 Oregon newspapers called on Packwood to quit, but he refused. Packwood next insisted that his papers not be turned over to the Senate because they could be used against him in a criminal prosecution.
The woman Packwood used to transcribe the tapes of his diary told a court that Packwood apparently took back some tapes and altered them. On the request of the Senate, a federal judge took possession of the diaries.
The year ended with Packwood insisting that he be given a fair hearing on the charges against him.
