Donovan’s Woes Impact Other House Candidates

By Susan Haigh

Associated Press

HARTFORD (AP) — Connecticut’s hottest race for a US House of Representatives seat was dealt a surprise, potentially game-changing development last week when federal authorities arrested the finance director for the Democrats’ endorsed candidate, House Speaker Chris Donovan. Both Democrats and Republicans in the crowded field for the Fifth Congressional District see opportunities arising from their fellow candidate’s troubles as they campaign for the upcoming August 14 primaries.

Robert Braddock, Jr, was arrested for allegedly conspiring with others to hide the source of $20,000 in campaign contributions. Braddock is free on $100,000 bail, and his lawyer says he’s innocent. Donovan has not been charged with any crime and has denied knowledge of Braddock’s alleged activities.

Here’s a look at how the scandal may affect the other candidates.

Elizabeth Esty, Democrat — The federal investigation into Donovan’s campaign fundraising could hamper his efforts to raise additional money, which could be a benefit to Esty, a former state representative from Cheshire. As of late April, she had the most cash on hand — more than $800,000 — among three Democratic candidates, putting her in a strong position for the primary.

Daniel Roberty, Democrat — A public affairs representative from Kent, Roberti is a political newcomer who surprised some observers by winning enough support at the party’s recent convention to secure a spot in the primary. He sees the additional attention being paid to the Fifth District race due to Donovan’s troubles as a potential benefit because it means more voters are focusing on the race, and possibly willing to hear more about his economic plans.

Andrew Roraback, Republican — Roraback, a state senator endorsed by the party for the GOP nomination, has used the scandal to draw a contrast with his own campaign. While Donovan said he’s unaware of the hundreds of contributions made to his coffers, Roraback said he has written personal thank-you notes to the few who have given the maximum $2,500 contribution.

Mark Greenberg, Republican –– A businessman and relative newcomer to politics, Greenberg has set himself apart from the other three GOP candidates with forceful criticism of Donovan. On Friday, the day after Braddock’s arrest, Greenberg called on Donovan to step down as the House speaker and suspend his congressional campaign. He’s the only candidate to do so.

Justin Bernier, Republican — A US Navy veteran, Bernier sees the scandal as an opportunity to differentiate himself from the veteran politicians, as well as self-funded candidates. He is banking on voter disgust stirring hunger for a fresh face. “I believe that people right now are looking for candidates they can believe in,” Bernier said, adding that the Republicans “haven’t had any shortage of scandals in this race.”

Lisa Wilson-Foley, Republican — Wilson-Foley, who has contributed to her own campaign, drew criticism recently after it was revealed that a company owned by her husband had paid former governor John G. Rowland for consulting work. She benefits from the media attention being shifted from Rowland’s involvement in her campaign to Donovan’s problems, although she maintains the matter involving the former governor doesn’t come up on the campaign trail and is not comparable. The Donovan scandal bolsters her message that voters want to reject career politicians and send a new kind of leader to Washington to help improve the economy.