State elections panel probes state Senate campaign

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The state Elections Enforcement Commission is investigating whether state Rep. Chris Coutu improperly used money from his aborted congressional campaign for his state Senate race and failed to keep proper expense records.

The Norwich Bulletin reports that Kate Haakonsen, a lawyer and Columbia resident, filed the complaint in September. She did not immediately return a call Friday.

Coutu, a Republican state representative from Norwich, said Thursday he's done nothing wrong. He says Haakonsen's complaint was orchestrated by his Democratic opponent, Sprague First Selectman Cathy Osten.

Osten's campaign manager says Haakonsen is a supporter and actions are not being coordinated.

Among the allegations is that the Coutu for Senate campaign wrongfully took a contribution from the congressional campaign by accepting lawn signs valued at more than $2,300 and failed to report certain expenses and reimbursements.

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Information from: Norwich Bulletin