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Schmidt statement

Full text of statement released Wednesday by state Sen. Suzi Schmidt

“I have spent the past few days reflecting on my future and that of the citizens of my district. As a public official I accept the immense responsibility that comes with the job. I also accept the additional scrutiny on all aspects of my life. As has been widely reported in the media, after 31 years of marriage, my husband and I have been engaged in marital disputes that have resulted in inappropriate behavior. In the emotion of the dispute, I placed a call to the Sheriff’s office on Christmas morning that was inappropriate. My embarrassment and extreme disappointment with our situation in no way justified or excused my behavior, which was wrong.

As one might expect, I was concerned that the humiliating details of our marital dispute would be disclosed in the public arena, and this fear clouded my judgment.

Again, I offer my sincere apologies to the citizens of Lake County for this lapse in judgment, and I hope my constituents can forgive me.

This week, I have begun counseling to help resolve the issues in my personal life. I believe I can and will continue to serve the citizens of Lake County with the same dedication and energy I’ve had for the past 25 years, and the issues in my personal life will not prohibit me from doing the job they elected me to do. I am continuing to circulate petitions to run for re-election in 2012, and I hope I continue to earn the support of the citizens of the 31st District.”