JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri House Speaker John Diehl says he won’t resign from the position but is apologizing for his “poor judgment” after a newspaper reported that he exchanged sexually charged text messages with a Capitol intern.

Diehl told reporters late Wednesday night that “it was a stupid thing to do” and that he’s asking for forgiveness.

Earlier Wednesday, the Kansas City Star released a story accompanied by screenshots of apparent electronic messages between Diehl and a college student who was a Capitol intern. The messages included some sexually suggestive discussions.

Diehl didn’t specifically mention text messages in his comments or an earlier statement.

The intern no longer works at the Capitol. She declined to comment.

A Democratic lawmaker is circulating a petition calling for a vote on removing Diehl as speaker.