Investigation into former Gov. Rowland expands

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- It appears the federal investigation into former Governor John Rowland's political activities is expanding.

The former Governor was doing his afternoon political radio talk show as usual Friday, but he is forbidden by his employer from talking about one of the biggest political controversies currently underway in Connecticut. That's because he is in the middle of it.

Friday was the final business day of the contract that Rowland had as a consultant for the Waterbury Chamber of Commerce.

Reports now say that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is seeking documents involved with his tenure in that job. It has earlier been reported that a federal grand jury is investigating Rowland's relationship with one of the Republican candidates running for the 5th Congressional District seat in the August 14th Primary.

"I don't think it's ever a good thing for anyone to be having a federal Grand Jury convene," said Sen. Andrew Roraback.

Roraback is the state Republican party convention endorsed candidate in that primary.

"I haven't been spoken to by anyone involved in the investigation," said Roraback, "but it's certainly, I wouldn't think, welcome news for John Rowland, or for the candidate with whom he's been associated."

That candidate is Lisa Wilson Foley. Her campaign has admitted that Rowland was a paid consultant for her husband's business while he was also volunteering on her campaign. He has since severed both relationships and a spokesperson for Wilson Foley said they are not saying anything more about it.

Mark Greenberg, another candidate in that race, has said that Rowland approached him to do work on his 2010 campaign and wanted to be paid through Greenberg's animal rescue agency; an arrangement that Greenberg declined.

Also attempting to capitalize on this is a fourth candidate in the Republican race: Justin Bernier. He says this all is another reason why Republicans are looking for new blood in the party.

In a text message Friday Rowland said he could not comment on any of the investigations.