美國共和黨參選人被曝大學文憑造假

A Republican candidate for the Florida Legislature apologized last Monday for saying she had a college degree that she didn't complete, but said she will stay in the race "and lead by example from now on."

佛羅里達州州議會的一位共和黨候選人上週一對外致歉，稱自己並沒有完成自己的大學學位，但她表示將繼續參加競選，並聲稱“從現在起，以身作則。”

Melissa Howard posted a photo of herself with what looked like a Miami University diploma after being accused of lying about her degree.

梅麗莎·霍華德之前曾發佈了一張她自己的照片，看起來像是邁阿密大學的文憑，但隨後被人指控學位造假。

The Ohio university later sent reporters a statement saying she attended the school, but never graduated and the diploma Howard posted has inaccuracies.

這座位於俄亥俄州的大學隨後向記者發送了一則聲明，稱霍華德確實上過這所學校，但沒有畢業，霍華德發佈的大學文憑確實不對。

Howard posted an apology on her campaign Facebook page and admitted she didn't graduate from the school.

霍華德之後在她競選的Facebook頁面上發表了道歉聲明，並承認她未從該校畢業。

"I made a mistake in saying that I completed my degree. What I did was wrong and set a bad example for someone seeking public service. I am staying in the race and intend to win and lead by example from now on," she said.

她說：“我向大家撒了謊，對大家說我獲得了大學學位。我現在意識到自己是錯的，爲那些競爭公共服務的候選人樹立了不良形象。我將繼續參與競選，並以身作則直到贏得競選。”

Even if she dropped out, it's too late to get her name off the ballot ahead of the Aug. 28 primary. Vote by mail ballots were sent out a month ago.

即使她現在退出，但是在8月28日的初選之前，要把她的名字從選票名單上取消已經太遲了。一個月前，投票已通過郵遞寄出。

The seat represents portions of Manatee and Sarasota counties, where about 20,000 Republican votes have already been cast.

馬納蒂縣和薩拉索塔縣的部分地區的選民代表中已經有大約2萬名共和黨人進行投票。

While some have taken to social media to say Howard should drop out, local party officials say the matter should be left to voters.

儘管一些人在社交媒體上稱霍華德應該退出，但當地黨派官員稱，此次事件的最終決定權應該留給選民。

"We should just let nature take its course. Let the voters decided if they want her to win the primary," said Manatee County Republican committeewoman Peggy Simone.

馬納提縣共和黨委員會成員佩吉·西蒙表示：“我們應該讓一切順其自然，讓選民們決定她能否贏得初選。”