Garcia: Actions Were "Inappropriate" But "Consensual"

Michael Garcia, who resigned as Assistant House Majority Leader Friday morning, shot back Friday afternoon at reports that he exposed himself to a female lobbyist last month, the Denver Post is reporting.

The statement, obtained by the Post from the law firm of Reilly Pozner & Connelly, reads as follows:

"Initial press reports are highly inaccurate regarding my alleged conduct. The other party and I engaged in consensual conduct that was inappropriate given my position in the legislature and the fact that the other party is a lobbyist.

"I do not want this incident to be a barrier to the work of the state of Colorado. Time is precious, and elected officials need to focus on health, fiscal, education and safety issues. The interests of the state are greater than my own.

"As a result, I have made the difficult decision to resign. I apologize for any hardship this has caused my constituents, friends, family and colleagues," the statement concludes. 

Garcia had e-mailed a terse, one-sentence resignation statement to House Speaker Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver) Friday morning.

"Mr. Speaker, I hereby submit my resignation from the Colorado House of Representatives," his resignation statement read.

*UPDATED 2/1, 5:05 P.M.