WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, ALMadison County Circuit Clerk admits mistake; plans to run for re-election

Madison County Circuit Clerk, Jane Smith plans to run for re-election, despite her guilty plea to federal charges. 

Last week Smith admitted to giving out her password into the court computer system used by employees of the state judicial system.

At a women's group campaign event on Tuesday, Smith went down the list of her experience as Circuit Clerk in front of voters. She also spoke about putting this negative situation to rest so she can move on with her campaign.

Smith pleaded guilty to federal charges for giving out her password without authorization to a consultant hired to do work on the court computer system. She faces up to one year in jail and a fine.

At the event, she wanted to talk more about her experience as Circuit Clerk, a position she's held since 2001.

She wants voters to elect her for a third term. She will face off with retired Madison County Sheriff's Deputy, David Underwood in the primary.

Smith stuck to a statement that she made a mistake and she's moving on.

"I'm going to stand on that statement, we are going to put it behind us and we are going to continue to work real hard in the Circuit Clerk Office and we are going to continue to make improvements," said Smith.

When asked if she feels she needs to work to regain voters' trust in Madison County, she added, "I don't think so, I think the voters in Madison County are very intelligent, and I made a mistake. We have said that in our statement and we are going to move on from that and we are just going to concentrate on all of our accomplishments."

"We all make mistakes; I understand that, it's crucial. She did admit that. For me to make a statement would be irresponsible for me to comment," said her opponent David Underwood.

Both will face off in the Republican Primary on March 13th.

Related Stories:

• Circuit Clerk admits to sharing password
• Madison County Circuit Clerk pleads guilty to misdemeanor charges

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