Random look begins at campaign financing in Conn.

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) — State election officials have begun a routine investigation of campaign financing in Connecticut, including the effort by an ex-con who lost a comeback bid for the Democratic nomination for a Bridgeport state Senate seat.

The Connecticut Post reports that Ernest Newton, who was imprisoned on a bribery conviction and lost his race in August, is being examined by the state Elections Enforcement Commission as part of a random and routine review. His losing campaign spent $80,550.

State Rep. Andres Ayala, who won the Senate election, also is being reviewed.

Newton says he took extra precautions and stayed away from campaign money.

The commission is required to examine how half of the campaigns participating in Connecticut's public financing program spent their money. Spokesman Joshua Foley says the primaries and general elections are chosen randomly.

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Information from: Connecticut Post