Asking Chris Donovan the hard questions

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Chris Donovan has been avoiding reporters' questions for weeks, but he now gets the tough questions about the campaign cash scandal in his Congressional race.

It was a friendly crowd that greeted Chris Donovan at the Heritage Village Democratic Club in Southbury on Thursday, but his opponents continue to pile it on.

Challenger Dan Roberti has been the most blunt since the scandal began and he repeated that again today.

"Chris Donovan, it's time to get out of the race," said Dan Roberti, (D) for Congress, "you're dragging the Democratic Party down, get out."

Challenger Elizabeth Esty won't go that far, but she is clearly suggesting that voters consider the scandal when casting their vote.

"They're looking for someone they can put their trust in and there are a lot of factors that voters will take into account when they do that," said Elizabeth Etsy, (D) for Congress.

Donovan, who has declined interviews and questions since the scandal broke, finally agreed to an interview on Thursday.

News 8 asked Donovan what he says to people who question him about illegal activity that was going on right under his nose.

"I'm a proven leader, making things happen and I think a leader, also, once finds out about a problem within their campaign, acts quickly," explained Donovan. "I got rid of those individuals, I hired a Republican investigator to show him everything, so, you know, a leader also deals with problems which comes their way and that's what I did."

News 8 asked Donovan if the scandal jeopardizes the Democrats' chances of winning a seat.

"I have a record of integrity, I have a record of working for people that Republicans can't even come close to," said Donovan.

Donovan also responded to questions about the negative ads.

"Well...they're doing negative ads already about their own people. There have been other candidates in the past that have had problems with campaigns. Chris Shays' campaign manager embezzled 200-thousand dollars," said Donovan. "He's a candidate and he's been endorsed by some newspapers, so, you know, we need to be fair as well and say, if people have done things wrong, they should be prosecuted, but you don't also go after the innocent, that's wrong."