In a statement released Wednesday, Schmidt said she has begun "counseling to help in resolving the issues in my personal life."
She went on to say, "I believe I can and will continue to serve the citizens of Lake County with the same dedication and energy I've had for the past 25 years, and the issues in my personal life will not prohibit me from doing the job they elected me to do."
Last week, the Lake County Sheriff's Department released 9-1-1 calls made by Schmidt and her husband. In the calls, Schmidt's husband, Robert, accuses his wife of biting him, throwing things and ramming her car into his; and Schmidt is heard telling a dispatcher, "I'm having a little problem with my husband right now." She goes on to say, "but it's fine so if he calls you- Bob Schmidt- you can ignore him."
Schmidt was in charge of the Lake County Sheriff's Department budget until recently.
In the Wednesday statement, Schmidt said, "As has been widely reported in the media, after 31 years of marriage, my husband and I have been engaged in marital disputes that have resulted in inappropriate behavior. In the emotion of the dispute, I placed a call to the Sheriff's office on Christmas morning that was inappropriate. My embarrassment and extreme disappointment with our situation in no way justified or excused my behavior, which was wrong."
Fellow Republicans have asked Schmidt to resign. State Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady said he is disappointed in Schmidt's decision to run in the next primary. He says she should have stepped down because her conduct crossed the line.
No charges have been filed against Schmidt nor her husband in connection with the 9-1-1 tapes.
