Former Donovan aide seeks to delay hearing

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Robert Braddock Jr., House Speaker Chris Donovan's former finance director for his congressional campaign, has agreed to delay his impending court appearance.

Braddock has been charged with conspiring to hide the source of $20,000 in contributions tied to an effort to kill legislation before the General Assembly that raised taxes on "roll-your-own" smoke shop owners.

The aide was originally scheduled to appear June 21 for a probable cause hearing. That hearing has been delayed until July 20, according to a document filed by Braddock's attorney.

The delay comes as federal investigators continue their probe.

Braddock is free on bail. His lawyer has said he's innocent.

On Tuesday, one of Donovan's Democratic primary opponents, Dan Roberti, called for new ethics rules to curb the influence of special interests on federal campaigns.