For Republican Bud Pierce Third Debate Brings Third Apology in A Week

Republican Bud Pierce who is challenging Governor Kate Brown on the November ballot has debated her three times, which is also the number of times he has apologized in the past week for comments that educated women are less susceptible to rape.

He had made the comment last Friday in his second debate with the governor. He apologized hours later but it was not enough to stop his communications director from resigning.

Pierce then apologized again on Wednesday - posting a Facebook Live video from his home, surrounded by women including his wife.

"I especially wish to apologize to all of the victims of domestic violence, upon whom my statement may have brought back the painful memories of their abuse, and the reality that many in our society do not understand their plight," he said.

On Thursday, in Eugene, he met Brown for their third debate. And it brought his third apology in less than a week.

"I take full responsibility and ownership of what I said," Pierce said, adding that his comments had created a "crisis" in his campaign.

The two have two more debates scheduled - October 13 in Medford and October 20 in Portland.