Clinton says private email was a mistake, says she's sorry

WASHINGTON -- Hillary Rodham Clinton apologized Tuesday for her use of a private email account after declining since last week to express remorse for the State Department arrangement that has shaken her presidential campaign.

Asked about setting up the private email account by ABC News, Clinton said: "That was a mistake. I'm sorry about that. I take responsibility, and I'm trying to be as transparent as I possibly can."

The Democratic presidential candidate declined to apologize for using a private email system when asked directly by NBC News on Friday, saying she was "sorry that this has been confusing to people." In an interview with The Associated Press on Monday, she said an apology wasn't necessary because what she did was "allowed" by the State Department.

Even as she said she was sorry Tuesday, a new sign surfaced indicating the issue is likely to stick around. Two powerful Senate chairman said they are considering seeking one or more immunity orders for Bryan Pagliano, a former Clinton aide whose attorneys have indicated would refuse to answer questions under his Fifth Amendment right to protect himself against any prosecution. Pagliano was paid to maintain Clinton's personal server while she was secretary of state.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley and Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee Chairman Ron Johnson -- both Republicans -- wrote to Pagliano they are considering seeking the immunity in an effort to compel Pagliano to testify, while ostensibly protecting him from any prosecution. The committees' oversight function is unrelated to any potential prosecution, they wrote. The chairmen asked for a meeting with Pagliano's attorneys to assess what might be revealed in such testimony.