The following has been received from 26th state senate district candidate Bill Gentes:

What follows is the text I am asking the Daily Herald to print in the newspaper in response to the article they ran about my endorsement interview.

On Monday morning when I met with the Daily Herald editorial board I told those present that I was on a leave of absence from my last job, when in reality I had been terminated some months ago. I did not disclose this fact because I was embarrassed to tell the editor and reporter the truth.

I owe the editors and reporters of the Daily Herald an apology. And more importantly I owe the public an apology. I betrayed the principals I value the most: integrity, credibility and truthfulness. I deeply regret it.

Unemployment is embarrassing. It’s never easy to admit that you’ve lost your job, let alone to a bank of reporters deciding whether or not they approve of your candidacy. When you aspire for public office, you need to be open and willing to discuss your personal life with all the pluses and minuses.

Ultimately my campaign for State Senate would be nothing without my family and the hundreds of supporters who have put up a sign, contributed or made calls on my behalf. I launched my campaign for State Senate because I know I can make a difference. As I move forward with my campaign, I will continue to tackle the issues affecting us all – the economy, education and wasteful government spending.

Thank you for the opportunity to offer this apology.