NBC30: Rell Suspends Chief Of Staff

[Larkspur]

http://www.nbc30.com/news/5555872/detail.html?treets=har&tid=2656822400813&tml=har_7am&tmi=har_7am_1_06000012172005&ts=H

Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced Friday she is suspending chief of staff M. Lisa Moody without pay for two weeks for distributing invitations to a Dec. 7 campaign fundraiser.

Rell, a Republican, said Moody's actions violated the governor's office ethics policy. She vowed to return all of the money raised at the event.

"I believe that these two actions will send a very clear message and underscore, I hope, my commitment to the adherence to what I consider to be the highest ethical standards that have been set in this state."
- Gov. M. Jodi Rell

"I believe that these two actions will send a very clear message and underscore, I hope, my commitment to the adherence to what I consider to be the highest ethical standards that have been set in this state," Rell said. "Those standards cannot be breached by anyone."

Rell said she believes Moody, who makes $127,000 a year, unintentionally violated internal policy and said she would not accept Moody's resignation.

Rell has known Moody for 20 years. On Friday, she described her as a "dear friend" and one of the most hardworking, loyal and honest individuals she has met.
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[NewJeffCT]

1. Front page, top of page on the Courant, too

A chink in her armor, finally? Esp. after Rell said there was no wrongdoing.

The subheadline even stated that the ethics counselor had specifically warned Moody that it was not good.

[Nutmegger]

2. I actaully expected

this to blow over. I'm equally surprised that the funds were returned. How badly do you think this will effect her campaign?