Delaware victim says campaign ads 'OK'

WILMINGTON, Del., Nov. 1 (UPI) -- A Delaware corrections counselor who was held hostage and raped by a convict says she's not upset her case is playing a role in Delaware's gubernatorial race.

"If my situation draws attention to the crucial problems facing our prisons," Cassandra Arnold said, "then hopefully it will lead to improvement. It is my profound hope that some good comes from my suffering," reported the Wilmington (Del.) News-Journal.

Arnold, a counselor at the Delaware Correctional Center, was taken hostage and raped July 12 by serial rapist Scott Miller, who was later shot and killed by officers.

Arnold, a Democrat, she say is not bothered that her name and face are being used in a 30-second television ad criticizing Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, a Democrat. The ad was paid for by a Republican group and produced independently of GOP gubernatorial candidate Bill Lee.

Lee has also been critical of Minner's handling of Arnold's case.

In a statement released by her campaign, Minner said she had, "said repeatedly I'm very sorry about what happened to her and I wish her the best in her continued recovery."

Arnold's attorney told the newspaper that as far as he knows, the statement marks the first time the governor has apologized.