Harris County District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal apologized for controversial personal e-mails Friday in a written statement. But can an apology save the DA's political future?

The statement reads:

"Recently some Harris County District Attorney inner office emails have been released in the media.

I understand that I have said some things that have caused pain and difficulty for my family, my coworkers and friends. I deeply regret having said those things. Moreover, I am sorry for the problems I have caused anyone."

The e-mails in question were unsealed Friday as a result of a motion 11 News filed.

They surfaced as exhibits in a civil rights lawsuit filed against the Harris County Sheriff’s Office by two brothers who photographed deputies executing a search warrant on a neighbor’s property. Many of the e-mails that became public read like love letters to his executive assistant Kerry Stevens.

In an e-mail dated Aug. 10, for example, Rosenthal writes, “The very next time I see you, I want to kiss you behind your right ear.”

Former Houston police chief and Rosenthal's Democratic opponent in his bid for re-election C.O. Bradford, has gone on the record, calling the e-mails, “totally inappropriate.”

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Harris County District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal

Other political opponents have also pounced on the e-mails' content.

“Mess. If I had to use one word, that's the one word that comes to mind,” said Harris County Democratic Party Chairman Gerry Birnberg. “We're saddened by it. We're not happy about it at all. 

“We think it's imperative an independent investigation be conducted to hopefully restore the public’s belief in the integrity of the district attorney's office.”

Rosenthal concluded his apology by stating, “I also understand that sometimes things happen for a purpose. This event has served as a wake up call to me to get my house in order, both literally and figuratively.”

It is unclear what Rosenthal means by “getting his house in order.” The Harris County Republican Party did not respond to our calls seeking comment on Rosenthal’s political future.

However, should another Republican want to enter the race, he or she has until Wednesday to file for the primary.