who knows his forgiveness as i do -- and josiah so ashamed to have hurt the people that i love. i am so sorry to have let so many people down, people who have been fighting so hard for me. america will survive and thrive in those values, but the causes greater than any of the people. this is based -- by stepping aside this cannot be used in -- as a political football, to undermine the cause that i have labored for my entire adult life. this is my home. and it has been such an honor to serve you. for 16 years, -- the toll has been very high, and my plans are focused on repairing my marriage and continuing my walk with god. i only ask you that you should respect the privacy in this time. and i have no further comments. >> in connecticut, richard blumenthal says that he misspoke about his service during the vietnam war. he did not officially apologize for these statements about being featured in combat. this was the center of the story in the "new york times." they spoke at a veterans affairs office in connecticut for about 25 minutes. >> good afternoon. i am a veteran of the marin