Another senator, who belongs to a Capitol Bible study group with Kintner, said Kintner had asked to meet recently.

When they got together, the senator said, Kintner explained that it would soon become public that he had used his state computer for sexually themed exchanges with a woman.

The senator said Kintner expressed deep remorse, both as a Christian and as a senator, for his actions.

“He’s just very broken about the situation,” the senator said. “I do, as a Christian, understand that there is forgiveness. As a senator, we are held to a higher standard.”

The senator urged Kintner to resign from office because of the situation, the senator said. He refused to do so.

Speaker of the Legislature Galen Hadley called the situation “very serious” if proven. He expressed sympathy Friday for Kintner’s wife, who has worked with state lawmakers for years. He said he would hold off on further comment until the accountability commission meets.

Hadley said he doesn’t know what options the Legislature has if the commission finds Kintner in violation of state law. He said he would work with Krist to look at the possibilities.