Friends Throw Party For Former Gov. Rowland

WATERTOWN (AP) — Ten days before former Gov. John G. Rowland is scheduled to begin a one-year prison sentence for corruption, his friends threw him a party Tuesday night to show their support and offer donations to help him pay his legal bills.

About 60 friends and associates of Rowland gathered at Roma Ristorante.

“`This is just a small party with some of his closest friends,” said Gary Pelosi, a Waterbury police officer and friend of the Rowland’s.

Rowland left shortly before 10 p.m. He declined to comment.

Rowland pleaded guilty in December to selling political access for more than $100,000 in vacations, charter jet trips and home repairs.