In the wake of formal sexual harassment allegations made Wednesday against Roseburg Sen. Jeff Kruse, a Republican, has been called upon by other politicians, including members of his own party, to resign.

State Sen. Sara Gelser, D-Corvallis, filed a formal complaint with legislative counsel and employee services Wednesday, a five-page account that describes years of unwanted touching by Kruse and expressing her concern that Kruse had also subjected other women to unwanted touching.

The complaint launches a formal investigation and committee process. Another female state senator, who has not been identified, has also informally reported Kruse for touching her inappropriately.

The explosive news arrives as more Republicans this week pull their support of Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore, of Alabama, after newspaper reports that he sexually assaulted and repeatedly tried to date teenage girls while in his 30s.

Kruse said Wednesday that he was not going to comment, but that the formal investigation process should take its course.

Here’s what some prominent pols said about Kruse, in their own words:

• Republican Secretary of State Dennis Richardson: “The allegations are extensive and disturbing…sexual harassment has no place in Oregon. These are serious allegations being brought against Senator Kruse that deserve a full investigation. If due process finds them to be true, Senator Kruse should resign.”

• Republican State Rep. Knute Buehler, who represents the Bend area and is considered the likely GOP nominee for the governor’s seat: “I believe the multiple allegations against Sen. Kruse and I respect the courage of those who have come forward. The behavior of Sen. Kruse has no place in civil society or the workplace. This is especially true for someone who holds the people’s trust and should set a higher standard of behavior. Throughout this process, Sen. Kruse has lost the personal credibility and ability to effectively serve the people of Oregon. That’s why today I called Sen. Kruse and urged him to do the right thing and immediately resign. And finally, I would also encourage the Senate President and Speaker of the House to not only work to improve the process and approach for addressing allegations of unacceptable behavior but, as important, aggressively work to change and improve the workplace culture that, regrettably, exists in our Capitol.”

• DPO Chair Jeanne Atkins: “…There must be consequences — not just never-ending investigations and warnings — for a sitting Oregon senator with this record. I commend Senator Sara Gelser and others for coming forward to tell their stories. I have no doubt that they speak for countless other women in the Oregon Capitol and workplaces across our nation. To be clear, this is not a uniquely political or partisan issue. We are all responsible for a culture that too often turns a blind eye against systemic sexual harassment and discrimination. I hope that this flood of stories from women and men alike who have experienced harassment in Oregon serves as a wake up call. In particular, I call on perpetrators to wake up to the fact that their behavior will no longer be tolerated. The immediate resignation of Senator Kruse would demonstrate that the message has been heard.”