A suburban assemblyman yesterday defended himself against an “embarrassing” relic of his romantic past that threatens his re-election bid.
Republican Greg Ball spoke out after the Putnam County Times published a 2003 temporary restraining order obtained by his then-girlfriend, who accused him of stalking her and carrying a sexually transmitted disease.
During a press conference called, Ball showed reporters documents that he filed seeking a restraining order against CNN producer Linda Fern Roth four days after she got an order of protection against him.
“These things that have come out, I’m embarrassed, but I’m not ashamed of anything,” Ball, who represents parts of Westchester and Putnam counties, told The Post.
“It was a tough breakup. I was head over heels in love.”
Ball conceded that he had followed Roth to Israel, where she was on assignment, in a last-ditch bid to save their relationship, but denied that he was stalking her.
The embattled lawmaker also denied having a sexually transmitted disease. “It’s absolutely untrue, it’s absolutely untrue,” he said.
The assemblyman is locked in a bitter GOP primary against former Brewster Mayor John Degnan.
Ball said he’s a victim of Degnan’s dirt-digging.
“This is absolutely disgusting. They have sent PIs into every facet of my personal life,” he said.
He said he and his ex will make a joint statement later this week about their former romance.
“This was the only private [embarrassing secret of my] life. In a way, it’s a huge weight off my shoulders,” he said.
Degnan denied any role in making the story public.