Rowland replaced as chairman of Bush CT reelection effort

[Freddie Stubbs]

Missing Out On The Big Party
Rowland Fading From Prominence At Key GOP Events

May 20, 2004
By CHRISTOPHER KEATING, Capitol Bureau Chief

Gov. John G. Rowland, facing a criminal investigation and possible impeachment, has been replaced as chairman of President Bush's re-election campaign in Connecticut - a personal and political setback for the longtime friend of the Bush family.

The governor also has relinquished his traditional role as head of the state delegation to the Republican National Convention this summer, and will not even participate as a delegate. Lt. Gov. M. Jodi Rell is expected to replace him as leader of the Connecticut contingent.

The developments, insiders said, would have been unthinkable only seven months ago - before Rowland admitted lying about taking gifts from state contractors and subordinates at his cabin on Bantam Lake in Litchfield. Since then, a long-running federal investigation of alleged corruption in Rowland's administration has come to focus directly on the governor, and a legislative committee is considering his impeachment.

"It's just a sad commentary on the times," Republican State Central Committee member Christopher Healy said.

more: http://www.ctnow.com/news/local/hc-rowland0520.artmay20,1,2186977.story?coll=hc-headlines-newsat3

[Atman]

1. We have Double-Republican-HELL here in CT

No one else hears about this, but Rowland is a best buddy and longtime family friend of Bush. He was in line for a cabinet post, but I think the FBI was already on to him when they tried to have him vetted, and he was passed aside. But this man in a crook of the highest order, with absolutely no conscience. There was a very moving article in the Courant yesterday from his former campaign aid and friend, who said Rowland became power mad, and basically thought of the state treasury as his to do with what he wanted. Including remodeling his cottage, awarding favors to friends, hiring anyone who gave him money...he was as corrupt as they come. We get a new revelation every day, it is absolutely stunning he has not been "frog-marched" out of the state house. But this is at least a start...his ego is so massive, being relegated to the sideline must absolutely be killing him. He STILL insists he's done nothing wrong, and everyone is just out to get him. He is really, really fucked up.

Oh, and as to why he is actually still in office after being busted dead-to-rights with his hand in the till? At the recent Governors conference, Rowland was second from the podium, on stage with Jeb and George. The Bush just LOVE to be in bed with criminals...they get all the good "stuff!"

[NewJeffCT]

2. If our state legislature had a spine..

If any of the Democrats had a spine, they'd have been a lot more vocal about Rowland - especially the ones that are not on the 10 member impeachment committee.

But, no, it's taken Republicans to actually say things publicly. Just like in the election, nobody stood up for Curry.

[Tuttle]

3. Somebody help me out here

isn't the new co-chair, Tom Foley a convicted felon? He was my neighbor in Oxford when he was suddenly taken into custody and sent to prison -- yuppies bought his house from the bank and had a big yard sale with all his possesions, including one room full of political memorabilia.

Is this the same guy? He should not be allowed to vote if it is.

Tut-tut

On edit: I now realize it was DICK Foley who was convicted of tax funny business in 1993, not Tom -- though I'm sure if held up to intense scrutiny, they are all guilty!