I am surprised and disappointed in the district attorney's decision to prosecute. I am saddened for the difficulty this places on my friends, family, supporters and especially the citizens of Salt Lake County. I am very sorry for the hardship created for the people I care about.

I continue to take full responsibility for my actions. I have acknowledged since the beginning that I could have and should have followed different procedure in accomplishing what I considered to be a very worthy goal. I have made mistakes. But to elevate those mistakes — which resulted in no personal gain to me or my family — to the level of criminal charges is sad. I was doing what I believed — and continue to believe — was right.

At least now we know what we face and we can move forward. I will not make further public comment on this matter until I can confer privately with my attorney. But, recognizing my own mistakes, my conscience is clear in terms of any criminal allegations. I know I will be fully vindicated. My intention is to vigorously continue my campaign. I have been touched by the many, many phone calls and other messages of support from hundreds of friends and others I have never met.

I have tremendous faith in the citizens of this county. I believe they will look at the accomplishments of our administration, and they will make their own judgments regarding these misguided charges. I will continue to place my full faith in the voters, and press forward.