Just when you thought it couldn’t get more bizarre…
The latest from Duvall’s web site.
“I want to make it clear that my decision to resign is in no way an admission that I had an affair or affairs. My offense was engaging in inappropriate story-telling and I regret my language and choice of words. The resulting media coverage was proving to be an unneeded distraction to my colleagues and I resigned in the hope that my decision would allow them to return to the business of the state.”
It appears he’s still apologizing for getting caught – for being heard on a microphone – not for what he actually boasted of. I’m sorry. I fail to see the logic. Here he says he’s denying the affair(s) that he’s on record boasting of. He says it was “inappropriate story-telling†He did not say “fictional story-telling.†He regrets his “language and choice of words.†What? Other words would have been better? Like which other words?
Like maybe he should just man up and apologize for his inappropriate behavior with Heidi and to his family, constituents, staff and colleagues. I don’t go to church much anymore, so I need a reminder. Doesn’t one need to confess one’s actual sins and repent in order to attain forgiveness?
Sheesh.
Update: The lobbyist denies affair too.
Looks like the pattern of denials is starting to make sense, If they both deny the affair then the lobbyist may get to keep her joband Duvall may stay out of legal trouble.
Total Buzz reports: Sempra issued the following statement saying it is investigating but that Barsulgia denied the allegations:
“Sempra Energy takes very seriously any reports involving the conduct of our employees. We are investigating this matter and the recent media reports that named one of our employees. The employee has denied the speculative media reports. Our investigation will be conducted to ensure not only that our policies on employee conduct are strictly adhered to, but also that our employee is treated fairly.â€
Hmm.
It sounds like he’s in criminal defense mode. The fact that she is a lobbyist who probably had business before his committee definitely raises ethical issues. But it might also raise legal ones.
Hmm, maybe the “affairs” didn’t happen and he was making it all up to stroke his male ego. I’ve known other crazy folk who just LOVE to boast about their sexual conquests to others.
“Therefore, I have decided to resign my office, effective immediately, so that the Assembly can get back to work.”
Now we know why the Assembly has done so little good work.
Whatever he’s done–whether it be having a tawdry affair or offensive “story-telling”–he’s brought a bit of shame to his family and the state, and he owes us all an apology.
What I find so ironic is that Jeff Miller states that he wasn’t paying attention to what Mike Duvall was saying, when the video clearly shows Miller looking at Duvall and engaging him in conversation. He’s even responding to what Duvall is saying! Both of these guys are in the same industry outside of the Assembly and admittedly have known each other for years. I am glad that Miller was taken off the Ethics Committee since he showed his lack of ethics in reporting the conversation.