(Host) State Auditor Tom Salmon says his recent drunken driving charge will not affect his future political plans.
Salmon says he admitted to police that he had had a few drinks before he was cited for driving under the influence.
The auditor says he made a mistake. And he says he’s apologized to his family and his supporters.
VPR’s John Dillon reports:
(Dillon) The 46 year old auditor says he was stopped by state police in Montpelier Friday night after he left a reception for several of his employees.
Salmon said that the police breath test indicated he was driving with a blood alcohol content of .086, just over the legal limit.
(Salmon) "I made a mistake. I screwed up. And for anyone listening out there, I want to pledge to them that I am extremely angry with myself and apologetic to my family and supporters and rest assured that I have a full commitment to the consequences and take whatever medicine is required like any other citizen of Vermont."
(Dillon) Salmon recently switched from the Democratic to the Republican Party.
When he announced the switch, he criticized the Democrats for not dealing with the fiscal challenges facing the state.
He plans to run for re-election as auditor, but he’s also weighed a bid for higher office. Salmon said his political plans have not changed.
(Salmon) "You know, I never look at political plans. People have told me changing parties wasn’t going to go well for me. And I said, I don’t care if it goes well for me. I’m concerned about the state. No, I will bounce back, as I would expect other Vermonters to bounce back. And my bounce-back will occur whether it has any impact on a political career or not."
(Dillon) The morning after he was cited for driving under the influence, Salmon appeared at the Republican state convention in Montpelier. Party members said the auditor received a round of applause when he acknowledged the incident.
Heidi Scheuermann is a Republican state representative from Stowe.
(Scheurmann) "He knows that he made a mistake and we all understand that people make mistakes. But the fact that he is honest and taking responsibility for it is the main I know."
(Dillon) Salmon said if the breath test results indicate he was driving under the influence he will admit to the charge, and move forward.
(Salmon) "If the machine was accurate at .086 then it would stand to reason that I am breaking the law and I want to be held accountable like anybody else."
(Dillon) Salmon said police did not give him any preferential treatment. He said he was handcuffed after he was stopped and taken into custody for processing. The auditor was issued a citation to appear in court December 3 rd to face the charge.
For VPR News, I’m John Dillon in Montpelier.