Hartford, Conn. — Governor John Rowland, dogged for months by a federal corruption investigation and legislative impeachment hearings into free gifts, trips and favours he received from state contractors and employees, said in an address televised live that he has decided to resign.
“I acknowledge that my poor judgment has brought us here,” Mr. Roland said, standing on the back lawn of the governor's mansion, his wife Patty by his side.
Mr. Roland, 47, becomes the first U.S. governor in seven years to resign under pressure.
Mr. Roland, 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 favours soon came to light.
One long-time friend, a state contractor, bought the governor's Washington condominium at an inflated price through a straw buyer. Mr. Roland received cigars, champagne, a vintage Ford Mustang convertible, a canoe and free or discounted vacations from employees and friends — including some with state contracts. The FBI was even looking into whether Mr. Roland skimmed money from low-stakes poker games he hosted.
For months, Mr. Roland 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 honourable road. John Roland 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. Mr. Roland 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.
Republican Lt.-Gov. M. Jodi Rell will be elevated to fill the rest of Mr. Roland's term. Senate President Pro Tem Kevin Sullivan, a Democrat, will become lieutenant-governor. The next gubernatorial election is in 2006.
