From Deseret News archives:
Connecticut governor resigns amid scandal
Rowland, a third-term Republican who was once one of the GOP's rising young stars, became engulfed in scandal in December when he admitted accepting renovations at his lakeside cottage including a hot tub and new heating system and lying about it. Other gifts and favors soon came to light.
"I acknowledge that my poor judgment has brought us here," Rowland said, standing on the back lawn of the governor's mansion, his wife Patty by his side.
Rowland, 47, becomes the first U.S. governor in seven years to resign under pressure. His resignation is effective July 1.
Republican Lt. Gov. M. Jodi Rell will serve the rest of Rowland's term. The next gubernatorial election is in 2006.
Rowland did not directly address the allegations against him but said he remained proud of his accomplishments.
"I hope there have been times when I made you all proud, or made you all smile or at least piqued your interest in this wonderful institution we call government," he said.
One longtime friend, a state contractor, bought the governor's Washington condominium at an inflated price through a straw buyer.
For months, Rowland has insisted he never did anything in exchange for the gifts. But the drumbeat of allegations sent his approval ratings plummeting and led to demands for his resignation from Republicans and Democrats alike.
"The governor has chosen late in this journey to take the honorable road. John Rowland made many bad choices that led us to today's resignation," said House Speaker Moira Lyons, a Democrat. "I am sad that such a gifted and talented leader chose a path of deception and ethical malaise for so long."
The decision effectively brings an end to what was once considered a remarkable political career. Rowland was elected to the state House at 23 and quickly became the boy wonder of Connecticut politics, using his charm to get elected to Congress at 27 and become governor at 37.
Comments
- Robbery ends poorly for one suspect 1:20 a.m.
- Wednesday on TV 12:59 a.m.
- Integration is possible on TV 12:59 a.m.
- Herbert talks land issues in D.C. 12:59 a.m.
- Developer looking to buy RSL share 12:58 a.m.
- Civilians help S.L. officer make arrest 12:58 a.m.
- 5A teams best of decade 12:57 a.m.
- 'Love story' of crash victim ends 12:50 a.m.
- Fire damages Taylorsville home 12:49 a.m.
- American Fork band raises funds 12:49 a.m.
- Utah group finds homes for orphans
- Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
- Y. tight ends talented tandem
- Jazz blow big lead, hang on
- Utes get extra motivation
- Senators want food tax restored
- Hair-pulling raises more questions
- Lobo land like home for BYU lineman
- BYU soccer incident still popular
- U. hopes to keep clicking
- House passes health care bill
263 - TCU showdown has big implications
188 - Lobo suspended
185 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
155 - Senators want food tax restored
149 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
119 - No 'backlash' for pioneers, gays analogy
105 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
104 - Utes pound winless Lobos
89
Maybe someone out there can help me understand how raising the state...
Why do so many people live so close to refineries in Utah and elsewhere?
So are you saying that women's soccor should evolve into this type of...
The Church has never been about hating gays, or any other group. It has only...
To which I add Amen, and Amen! [Thank you!]
this is going to so much fun? Gee who do i cheer for if REAL plays Galaxy? ...
The great QBs make defenses pay for bringing pressure. Hall offers up...
I completely concur, this exhibition game was supposed to be easy and a blow...
Maybe we should just back up 50 years and do away with all laws etc. passed...
So does Hall enjoy absorbing the contact as Call says, or in Hall's own...
Well put, let it die. A lot people who want the health care bill haven't...
If Jerry studies "game tape" he will see how to beat the Celtics, see Phoenix...



You can be the first to comment on this story.