Controversy stirs around ex-governor

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Former Republican Governor John Rowland, one of the most controversial Connecticut politicians in recent history, is the center of two more controversies.

He resigned in disgrace eight years ago, and now he's going to start receiving his state pension for life.

Rowland told News 8's Mark Davis via text message that this is all being stirred up because of a media vendetta against him.

Rowland, who is currently an afternoon talk show host on WTIC AM Radio, was one of the longest serving governors in state history.

He was also the first governor to resign in the face of impeachment, and the first to serve time in federal prison for corruption.

Starting in May, when he turns 55, he will also start receiving a $50,000 a year state pension and lifetime medical benefits.

The State Comptroller says he has no choice but to start sending the checks because the law banning convicted politicians from getting them took affect after Rowland left office.

"There's obviously growing anger and anxiety about this issue outside the bubble of Hartford and I have to say that I share that anger," said Kevin Lembo, State Comptroller, "but I'm constrained by the law."

Mike Clark is the former FBI agent who helped send Rowland to prison. He is one of five Republican candidates for congress in the 5th District, and he's now filed a complaint with the Federal Elections Commission because Rowland was collecting monthly consulting fees from a business owned by Brian Foley, the husband of another candidate for the nomination: Lisa Wilson Foley, a campaign Rowland has been openly working for.

"One of the biggest issues here, and again, I've been in the FBI for 22 years, I was an elected official here in Farmington," said Clark, "is the public trust."

It is also alleged that Rowland attempted to work for another candidate and have the payments filtered to him through a non-profit group, but that candidate refused.

In a series of text messages Monday, the former Governor said, "There's no new news here. I did work for one of Brian's companies and I have volunteered for Lisa's campaign."

Rowland was not on the air today. A spokesman for WTIC Radio management says it is scheduled time off and that they would have no further comment.