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Tom Salmon Apologizes for DUI

Montpelier, Vermont - November 14, 2009

Vermont's state auditor is facing drunken driving charges.

Tom Salmon was stopped by police in Montpelier around 10:30 p.m. Friday night after police say he failed to use a turn signal. He blew a .086 on a breath test, just over the .08 minimum. He admitted to officers that he had several glasses of wine at a party before getting behind the wheel.

"It's a very painful situation. I'm very angry with myself and I've apologized to my family and my supporters. I screwed up. I made a mistake. I'm going to face punishment like any other Vermonter for my mistakes and go forward," Salmon told Channel 3.

Salmon is the son of former Governor Thomas Salmon. He was first elected auditor in 2006 and was re-elected last year. Two months ago, he switched political parties and became a republican, saying the GOP was more committed than Democrats to addressing the states budget problems. He was also considering a run for governor before Brian Dubie entered the race.

Salmon was cited by police and is due in court December 3rd.