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Patrick Apologizes For Inmate Case

Democratic nominee for governor Deval Patrick is confirming reports he helped pay for a DNA test meant to exonerate a convicted rapist.

The test placed Benjamin LaGuer at the scene of the crime.

Patrick previously said he wrote only one letter on LaGuer's behalf to the state parole board 15 years ago, but his campaign now confirms Patrick wrote four letters — two to LaGuer himself, and two to the board.

Patrick is now apologizing for not fully disclosing his involvement in LaGuer's case, saying he had forgotten about the letters and the donation for the DNA test.

His republican rival Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey is pointing to the story as evidence that Patrick is soft on crime.

Some political analysts say the incident could hurt Patrick in the polls.

This program aired on October 6, 2006. The audio for this program is not available.

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