| For Immediate Release Jan 14, 2004 |
Contact: Press Office 202-646-5188 |
If Rowland Balks, CT Legislature Must Impeach Governor (Washington, DC) Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, today called for Connecticut Governor John Rowland (R) to resign from office. If Rowland refuses to resign from office, Judicial Watch calls upon the Connecticut State Senate to begin impeachment proceedings immediately. A federal investigation of Rowland’s administration for alleged corruption has been underway for the past several months. The focus of the investigation is alleged “bid rigging” - whether particular companies were granted sizeable bids for political and financial favors. One former Rowland aide, Lawrence Alibosek, has already pleaded guilty to federal charges that he “steered” contracts for personal payoffs. Rowland is now the subject of a federal investigation. Last week investigators subpoenaed Rowland’s personal financial information, DMV records on a restored Mustang and two boats, and have begun to look into several suspicious property investments. The Hartford Courant reported that Rowland had accepted gifts from state employees, friends and several businesses in exchange for political favors and money. The gifts consist mainly of repairs and improvements to his summer cottage. Rowland publicly denied these charges and claimed he had paid for the repairs and improvements himself. Recently two subcontractors told The Hartford Courant that they were told that if they had charges reduced rates, it could lead to state jobs. When the subcontractors’ statements were reported, Rowland admitted publicly that he had indeed accepted gifts, but continued to deny that favors were granted in exchange. “Governor Rowland has flat out lied and likely engaged in criminal acts. His corrupt behavior is disgraceful and cannot be tolerated any longer. The only honorable move left to Rowland is for him to resign and face the consequences of his actions. If Rowland fails in that regard as well, then the legislature must take swift impeachment action against him,” stated Judicial Watch President Thomas Fitton. | |