Governor quits

last updated 8 January 2015

Hartford

Connecticut Gov. John Rowland resigned this week, six months after admitting he took gifts from friends and businessmen. Rowland, once a rising national Republican star, had been facing an impeachment inquiry and bipartisan calls for his resignation; he still faces a federal corruption investigation. Rowland, 47, has admitted to letting aides and a state contractor pay for a hot tub and kitchen cabinets at his lakeside cottage. He also allegedly accepted a Mustang convertible, cigars, and other gifts, although he says he granted no favors in exchange for the booty. Rowland did not apologize, but said, “I acknowledge that my poor judgment has brought us here.” Lt. Gov. M. Jodi Rell will complete Rowland’s third four-year term, which runs until January 2007.