Robert Torricelli: “for the last 7 months, the Senate Ethics Committee has reviewed documents and statements relating to allegations made…”

“for the last 7 months, the Senate Ethics Committee has reviewed documents and statements relating to allegations made against me by a former political contributor and friend. I am now in receipt of the conclusions of the committee. I thank the members of the Ethics Committee for their hours of deliberation. I also apologize to each of them for subjecting them to the painful ordeal of sitting in judgment of a colleague. In closing its preliminary inquiry into this matter, the Ethics Committee has concluded that in several specific instances rules of the Senate were violated. As a consequence, the committee has admonished me. I want my colleagues in the Senate to know that I agree with the committee's conclusions, fully accept their findings, and take full personal responsibility. It has always been my contention that I believed that at no time did I accept any gifts or violate any Senate rules. The committee has concluded otherwise in several circumstances and directed me to make immediate payment in several instances to assure full compliance with the rules of the Senate. I will comply immediately. I apologize to the people of New Jersey for having placed the seat of the Senate that they have allowed me to occupy in this position. The day I was elected to the Senate remains among the most cherished of my life.”