JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Embattled by details of him sexting with a 19-year-old college intern, Missouri House Speaker John Diehl, R-St. Louis, said he takes “full responsibility” after a story was ran about them in the Kansas City Star.

“I take full responsibility for my actions and am truly sorry to those I let down. I apologize for the poor judgment I displayed that put me and those closest to me in this situation. I also regret that the woman has been dragged into this situation. The buck stops here,” he said.

Diehl said he asks “for forgiveness,” and, “will begin immediately working to restore the trust of those closest to me, and getting back to the important work that is required in the final days of session.”

But, Diehl stopped short of saying he would step down as House Speaker or from his job as a representative.

Earlier in the day, House Democrats called on Diehl to resign as speaker pending a “full investigation” into his actions.