This is in response to an Associated Press article concerning the recent fine imposed on my campaign by the ethics commission.

In the AP interview, I said that while I did not agree with the decision, I would not appeal because I do not want to undermine the Clean Election Law or the commission that enforces it.

The interviewer pointed out that this was early in the campaign and asked if it would have a major effect on the outcome. In response, I said I did not believe it would be a big deal, meaning it would not be a major factor with voters who face much bigger problems.

It is worth noting that the ethics commission had also just fined the Democratic Party, and no one was suggesting Gov. Baldacci’s campaign had suffered a major blow.

My response was taken out of context to create the impression that I was cavalier about the fine. Let me be clear: even though the fine did not grow from any intentional act, I regret any mistake. I am a lawyer who has never had a single complaint filed against me, and do not take lightly any decision that a rule was violated. Further, I am not wealthy. This fine means sacrifices by my whole family.

It is careless and misleading journalism such as this that keeps many good people out of politics, but I’m in this to win because I believe the voters want to elect an independent, fiscal conservative who is a social moderate.

Rep. Barbara Merrill, Appleton