Rowland ends congressional volunteer stint

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Former Gov. John G. Rowland has stepped down as a volunteer to Republican Lisa Wilson-Foley's congressional campaign.

Chris Healy, senior adviser to the 5th Congressional District candidate, said Rowland called Wednesday to inform the campaign about his decision. Healy said it was Rowland's decision to make and "we respect that."

Wilson-Foley said last week that Rowland was paid $5,000 a month to work as a consultant to her husband's company. The disclosure came in response to criticism from an opponent, former FBI agent Mike Clark, who had investigated the former governor for corruption. Clark filed a federal elections complaint over Rowland's payments, even though Healy said Rowland's consulting work had nothing to do his volunteer work on the campaign.

Rowland first told The Register Citizen of Torrington he was stepping down.