Following a controversy over some questionable emails, Republican candidate for Governor Carl Paladino is back on the campaign trail.

The Buffalo businessman addressed the scandal surrounding his campaign Wednesday night at a town hall forum on Staten Island.

Paladino came under fire after a website published offensive emails he is said to have sent to friends, including some pornographic emails and others that have been deemed racist and appear to mock President Barack Obama.

Paladino insists he is staying in the race for governor and offered an apology.

"Yes I was careless in resending emails sent by friends to a group of other friends. I never claimed to be perfect, I am human. And let he who is without sin cast the first stone," Paladino said. "I apologize to anyone who was offended by the public revelation of these private emails. That activity is not Carl Paladino."

Paladino went on to call the controversy a smoke screen by career politicians and the media designed to distract New Yorkers from the government's record of incompetence and failure.

Despite the controversy, Paladino's long-shot campaign is still resonating with some voters. He says he only wants to serve for four years and promises to do the dirty work to clean up Albany.

"Despite the wish of many in our governing class today, I am running for governor and I will be running for governor tomorrow. And I will continue to run for gov until the election in November," Paladino said.

Wednesday night's meeting drew a sedate crowd of close to 40 New Yorkers.

"I find him to be a refreshing voice, actually. He has a very distinct message," said Richmond County Public Administrator Gary Gotlin.

"I like what he's saying about the problems they have up in Albany and the things they need to clean up. I think they've forgotten the people and we are lost in a sea of mess," said Staten Island resident Lou Derrico.

With Paladino vowing to stay in the race until the bitter end, voters are sure to hear more from the renegade politician who is trying to pull off the biggest political upset of the season.