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Fildebrandt said he made “honest mistakes,” and many of his constituents agree.

“He’s only human like the rest of us,” said Mike Mathieu. “In his time as MLA, I think he’s done a good job and his apology did seem very sincere.”

Similarly, Gail Bell said, “We are all humans, we make mistakes. I think if he’s done something wrong, then he’s learned from it.

“I support him as far as his beliefs in the UCP party and where he wants Alberta to go. I am disappointed that this has affected him as far as his position as a financial critic,” said Bell.

Other supporters applauded Fildebrandt for admitting to his mistakes and said many leaders in the same position wouldn’t be so up front.

But some weren’t so fast to let him off the hook.

A few local residents, who declined to give their names, said this was a blow to his credibility — especially considering his role as finance critic.

Fildebrandt’s former constituency association is also standing behind him and, much like Fildebrandt, blames the media for his departure.

“We believe in Derek Fildebrandt’s integrity and values, and we are greatly disappointed in the low-level, ridiculous mudslinging taking place through the media,” said an email statement to Postmedia by Ronda Klemmensen, president of the legacy Strathmore-Brooks constituency association.

“Derek’s decision to resign from caucus is the right decision at this time for his family, for Strathmore-Brooks constituency and for Alberta,” it read.