HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Orange County Assemblyman Michael Duvall is the latest politician to get rocked by a sex scandal.
On Tuesday, Los Angeles station KCAL-TV aired a videotape of the Republican lawmaker talking to a colleague at a committee hearing about his recent sexual adventures. Duvall is apparently unaware that his microphone is on as he boasts about his conquests of two women.
“I made a mistake and I sincerely apologize,” the 54-year-old Duvall later wrote on his Web site. “I deeply regret the comments I made in what I believed to be a private conversation. This is a private matter and I ask that everyone respect the privacy of all involved.”
Making matters worse, Duvall was overheard saying that his recent sexual conquests were both lobbyists, one of which has been identified by OC Weekly as Heidi Dejong Barsuglia. The lobbyist for Sempra Energy is 18 years younger than Duvall, who is married with two children.
Sempra has since released a statement saying it is looking into the matter.
“Sempra Energy takes very seriously any reports involving the conduct of our employees,” read the statement. “We are investigating this matter and the recent media reports that named one of our employees. The employee has denied the speculative media reports. Our investigation will be conducted to ensure not only that our policies on employee conduct are strictly adhered to, but also that our employee is treated fairly.”
With pressure apparently mounting, Duvall opted to resign earlier today.
“I am deeply saddened that my inappropriate comments have become a major distraction for my colleagues in the Assembly, who are working hard on the very serious problems facing our state,” he said in a statement. “I have come to the conclusion that it would not be fair to my family, my constituents or to my friends on both sides of the aisle to remain in office. Therefore, I have decided to resign my office, effective immediately, so that the Assembly can get back to work.”
[video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2GKqTeBlAg&feature=related]
