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."

佛罗里达州州议会的一位共和党候选人上周一对外致歉，称自己并没有完成自己的大学学位，但她表示将继续参加竞选，并声称“从现在起，以身作则。”

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

梅丽莎·霍华德之前曾发布了一张她自己的照片，看起来像是迈阿密大学的文凭，但随后被人指控学位造假。

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

这座位于俄亥俄州的大学随后向记者发送了一则声明，称霍华德确实上过这所学校，但没有毕业，霍华德发布的大学文凭确实不对。

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

霍华德之后在她竞选的Facebook页面上发表了道歉声明，并承认她未从该校毕业。

"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.

她说：“我向大家撒了谎，对大家说我获得了大学学位。我现在意识到自己是错的，为那些竞争公共服务的候选人树立了不良形象。我将继续参与竞选，并以身作则直到赢得竞选。”

Even if she dropped out, it's too late to get her name off the ballot¹ ahead of the Aug. 28 primary. Vote by mail ballots² were sent out a month ago.

即使她现在退出，但是在8月28日的初选之前，要把她的名字从选票名单上取消已经太迟了。一个月前，投票已通过邮递寄出。

The seat represents portions of Manatee³ and Sarasota counties, where about 20,000 Republican votes have already been cast.

马纳蒂县和萨拉索塔县的部分地区的选民代表中已经有大约2万名共和党人进行投票。

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

尽管一些人在社交媒体上称霍华德应该退出，但当地党派官员称，此次事件的最终决定权应该留给选民。

"We should just let nature take its course. Let the voters decided⁴ if they want her to win the primary," said Manatee County Republican committeewoman Peggy Simone.

马纳提县共和党委员会成员佩吉·西蒙表示：“我们应该让一切顺其自然，让选民们决定她能否赢得初选。”