A Niagara County State Senate candidate is pulling out of the race after admitting to an extra-marital affair. Republican Gia Arnold was running for the 62nd District seat being vacated by Senator George Maziarz. But in an e-mailed statement to the media overnight, Arnold says she has made "personal decisions" to require her to step down from her campaign.
Arnold candidly admits to engaging in an affair that she says was "an escape from an already declining marriage." She says the remaining money in her campaign account will be donated to a local charity.
"It is for my ex husband, my children, my family and friends that I must publicly admit to my actions as I believe honesty and integrity are of utmost importance in life," Arnold said.
The other GOP candidate in the Senate primary, North Tonawanda Mayor Robert Ortt, issued a statement Wednesday, saying he respect's Arnold's decision to focus on her family.
