The campaign office of Gopala Lochan, incumbent Archon of Duureanta, has released a statement regarding the events of 8 February FC237 (YC122), at which time he apparently engaged in scandalous behavior following a party he held for the Cannons-Lions kendu match.
To the surprise of some, Lochan confirms and takes responsibility for said behavior, walking a fine line between not disowning the events but showing regret for the resultant upheaval. Some have commented that the strategy is a risky one considering that he is up for reelection. Cynical points of view have suggested that the release of this statement was timed so as to better support his chances in the election this upcoming week.
The statement, which was provided to all Duureanta news outlets and several other Federation media outlets as well as posted to his campaign’s GalNet site, is provided below.
Supporters, friends:
By now you may have heard the gossip and read the pundits’ takes on my activities on 8 February of this year. I hosted a viewing party for the first Major League Kendu match of the season, which our Duureanta Lions won in dramatic style. The party was attended by several offworlders, mostly capsuleers, and it happened that I spent most of the match in the company of one of them. She was a charming woman, and combined with the thrill of the match and rather extensive celebratory drinking, that night I made some uncharacteristic decisions.
I say “uncharacteristic” because drinking so heavily and spending the night with a woman are not regular habits of mine. Understand, however, that I do not disavow these choices. Most of what has been said of that night is true. I accept responsibility for my choices, and I do not regret them.
To those who believe my actions that night were hypocritical, I extend my apologies for betraying that which you held me to represent. I have only ever held myself to be that which I am; I can be no other. But such a personage is subject to the interpretations and wills of others, whether it be his constituents, the media, or his own family. I have a responsibility to be a representative of the public’s interests at all times. For a short while, that responsibility eluded me.
I remain as committed to Duureanta and her citizens as ever, and my stances on public issues have not changed. As ever, I will continue to protect the traditions of our community.