“First, I fully support a woman’s right to come forward and I think it should be encouraged in every way. I now understand that I acted in a way that made people feel uncomfortable. It was unintentional and I truly and deeply apologize for it. I feel awful about it and frankly, I’m embarrassed by it, and that’s not easy to say but that’s the truth. But this is what I want you to know, and I want you to know this from me directly — I never touched anyone inappropriately. I never touched anyone inappropriately. I never knew at the time that I was making anyone feel uncomfortable. I never knew at the time that I was making anyone feel uncomfortable. I certainly never, ever meant to offend anyone or hurt anyone or cause anyone any pain. That is the last thing I would ever want to do.
“I ask the people of this state to wait for the facts from the Attorney General’s report before forming an opinion. Get the facts please before forming an opinion and the Attorney General is doing that review. I will fully cooperate with it and then you will have the facts and make a decision when you know the facts.
“I also want you to know that, I have learned from what has been an incredibly difficult situation for me as well as other people, and I’ve learned an important lesson. I’m sorry. I’m sorry for whatever pain I caused anyone. I never intended it um and i will be the better for this experience. Thank you.”
