For Wilson-Foley, benefits of Rowland's contacts could outweigh his negatives.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012 | 12:28 p.m.
Some CT GOP leaders see ex-Gov. John Rowland (R) as a positive resource for businesswoman Lisa Wilson-Foley's (R) campaign, "at least as far as" the GOP primary. "Rowland has been helping the Wilson-Foley campaign out, using his contact list in Waterbury to draw a crowd to a campaign event." Rowland is also acting as an occasional adviser.
CT Dem chair Nancy DiNardo "sees Rowland as a symbol of how 'out of touch' the GOP is" in CT and "predicts being tied to Rowland will backfire" Wilson-Foley in Nov.
Following his resignation and "imprisonment on corruption charges," Rowland "took a job as economic development coordinator for the city of Waterbury, and now hosts a politically themed radio show on WTIC 1080AM." GOP state cmte chair Jerry Labriola: "John Rowland has re-emerged as a voice in the political dialogue in Connecticut. He certainly brings insight and perspective to his radio show that is uncommon compared to many radio hosts. It's not surprising that some of our candidates would see value in John's knowledge of the process."
According to Wilson-Foley senior adviser Chris Healy, Rowland "is not engaged in fundraising-focused activities for the campaign."
Before he was elected gov., Rowland held the CT-05 seat. Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton: "He probably carries a lot of weight in the 5th District. He has a right to participate in the process. He's paid his debt. Nobody can say that he can't participate. It's not like he's a candidate for office."
Farmington Town Council Chair Mike Clark (R), "who ran the corruption investigation of Rowland and helped put him behind bars": "I certainly would not want him involved in my campaign, raising money and doing that kind of work for me" (Fenster, CT5thDistrict.com, 4/9).
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