House Republican Press Release

January 26, 2004

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Reps. DelGobbo, Greene, Labriola Vote in Favor of Establishing Committee to Investigate Rowland Controversy

PANEL COULD RECOMMEND GOVERNOR’S IMPEACHMENT

(Hartford, CT) State Representatives Kevin DelGobbo (R-Naugatuck), Len Greene (R-Beacon Falls) and David Labriola (R-Naugatuck), today voted in favor of creating a special 10-member legislative committee to investigate the possible impeachment of Governor John G. Rowland.

The committee has the responsibility to recommend to the state House of Representatives whether Rowland should be the first Governor in Connecticut’s history to be impeached. The Committee will conduct a comprehensive investigation relating to misconduct by the Governor. The Committee is expected to return with its recommendation by April 14, 2004. If it recommends impeachment, the full House would vote whether to accept or reject the recommendation.

“This is a very sad but necessary step that we take today,” said Rep. DelGobbo. “It is an extremely serious constitutional responsibility that we are undertaking and I believe that the entire House will treat it as such.”

“I think the Committee is made up of very respected members of the General Assembly,” said Rep. Greene. “I know they will be fair and bipartisan with their investigation and deliberations. I know myself and my constituents want to hear all the facts and not the innuendo and rumor that have been driving this issue.”

“Given these serious allegations of misconduct by the Governor, it is essential that a committee of inquiry be created,” said Rep. Labriola. “Only then can the appropriate questions be raised and the true facts be revealed.”