Sen. Jim Guthrie, R-McCammon, issued a statement today apologizing for “any embarrassment my shortcomings may have caused,” and telling his family “how sorry I am for any grief suffered by them due to my lapse in judgment,” weeks after allegations that he and a female House member had an affair. The allegations, reported by an eastern Idaho blogger and former legislative candidate, were based on statements from Guthrie’s ex-wife after the two divorced.

Rep. Christy Perry, R-Nampa, issued a statement immediately after the allegations were reported, saying she’d made a “terrible mistake” two years ago but that much of the report was false, and she and her husband were working on their marriage. The blogger also suggested the two lawmakers had tapped public funds in the course of the affair; an audit of their travel records found no evidence of that, but did identify a lack of documentation in Guthrie’s travel records for a single night’s lodging in Boise during a multi-day trip. Senate President Pro-Tem Brent Hill, R-Rexburg, said Guthrie was setting up his Boise office just prior to the legislative session, and he hadn’t previously required documentation for such activities, but might in the future.

Guthrie said today that he hasn’t yet had an opportunity to sit down with Senate staffers and go over the details of his expense reports and the audit findings. “If they find that something was not consistent with properly being reimbursed, then I’ll certainly address that in a responsible manner,” he said.

Here is Guthrie’s full statement:

“Every once in a while you find yourself in a darned if you do, darned if you don’t situation. Comment and risk putting legs back under an already painful news story, or remain silent and leave those I serve as a member of the Idaho senate wondering. I have decided, albeit somewhat tardy, to share some things with those I represent.

For the most part the events that have unfolded over the past couple of weeks are private in nature and it is unfortunate that they have not remained so. Much of what has been written is inaccurate, unsubstantiated and outright lies. That said, I am not without fault and take my share of blame and responsibility and then some.

I want those who elected me and all residents from southeast Idaho and beyond to know how profoundly sorry I am for any embarrassment my shortcomings may have caused. More importantly, I want my family to know how much I love them and how sorry I am for any grief suffered by them due to my lapse in judgment.

I am a fortunate man and I am thankful for the many friends, acquaintances and family members who have offered their support and words of encouragement. I cannot adequately express how much those exchanges by phone, card, email or text have meant to me. It is that support that has carried me through a very difficult time.

It is my intention to vigorously campaign for the retention of the Senate seat I currently hold. I am committed to continue working on the many important issues facing the Idaho legislature including education, health care, economic development, tax policy, transportation and many others. I have enjoyed serving the citizens of Bannock and Power counties and would be humbled by the opportunity to continue in that capacity.”

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