Responding to state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson's arrest Tuesday, Sonia Chang-Diaz, who defeated her in the Democratic primary this year and was facing her again in the general election, said the arrest unfortunately turns people away from engaging in the political process.

In a statement, Chang-Diaz said Wilkerson's arrest on corruption charges saddened her.

"My reaction to this news is simply one of sadness," the Jamaica Plain Democrat said. "Whenever the public's trust is violated, it's something that hurts the whole community and people's willingness to participate in politics."

Chang-Diaz also noted that it is "important to remember that the legal proceedings will continue, and like everyone else, Sen. Wilkerson deserves a fair trial based on the facts, not a rush to judgment."

The Democrat also asked the media and her supporters to be considerate of Wilkerson during this "very difficult time."