Here is the prepared statement of Gov. Paul Patton admitting he had a sexual relationship with Tina Conner, a western Kentucky nursing home owner who has sued Patton, accusing him of sexual harassment:

        I apologize to the people of Kentucky for my failure as a person. I have already apologized to Judi and my family. I'm also sorry that I initially denied mistakes I made in my private life.

        Sunday night I was informed that an inappropriate personal relationship of mine was revealed to the press as a part of a lawsuit that was going to be filed.

        Realizing the impact this would have on Judi and the rest of my family and friends, my first response was to deny my unfaithfulness to Judi. I was wrong. The denial was another mistake.

        I didn't sleep at all Wednesday night as I prayed for forgiveness from God and for guidance and strength.I finished my scheduled activities in Washington Wednesday and Thursday but I already knew what I had to do. I spent Thursday evening with Judi and our children and apologized to them and asked their forgiveness. I now apologize to the people of Kentucky and ask your forgiveness. I do believe that I am now on the right path.

        It is not easy for me to discuss private failures in a public forum, but I do so because I want to be honest with the people of Kentucky and try to earn their trust and respect again. My mistakes are mine alone. I take full responsibility for them; I publicly as I have privately apologize to Judi and my family. I also ask the people of Kentucky to forgive my personal failure as I begin the process of sorting through and reconciling the problems I have brought upon my family. These personal failures on my part will be the focus of my private life going forward. Relying on my faith in God, I ask for your forgiveness and for your prayers.

        I have talked with the leadership of the General Assembly and apologized to them and assured them that I have not let my personal weakness affect my administration of government. I want to give that same assurance to the people of Kentucky.

        Under no circumstances have I or anyone under my direct control tried to punish Mrs. Conner. I hope that she will go forward with her life as I am going to try to go forward with mine.

        I expect the Executive Branch Ethics Commission to make a full and complete review of these allegations and I'm confident they will conclude that I have done nothing wrong in my capacity as Governor. I pledge to cooperate fully with the commission.

        I came to Frankfort as governor seven years ago to try to make Kentucky a better place for our people. Now, more than ever, that fight is alive in me and I am committed to fulfilling the mission I started on your behalf. I promise to all of you that I will do my job as Governor.

        Understandably some of you may have less trust in me today than you did a week ago. I will work hard to restore that trust. With dedication to duty, honest answers, and the humility of a man who has been shamed in public by his private failures, I face the future as a man who has much work to do, for my family and the citizens of the Commonwealth.

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