Connecticut: Chris Donovan Facing Campaign Scandal

State Speaker Chris Donovan, the Democratic frontrunner in the 5th district, is in a heap of political trouble.
On Wednesday, his campaign aide Robert Braddock Jr. was arrested and charged with improperly concealing campaign contributions ostensibly solicited to kill state legislation to regulate tobacco, according to the Connecticut Mirror.
Donovan has denied any awareness of the activity and promised to press on with his campaign.
“Let me be very clear about this: At no time did I know that anyone might have been trying to funnel illegal contributions to my campaign,” Donovan said. “No one ever made a deal with me as a quid pro quo.”
Donovan cleaned house at his campaign Thursday, firing Braddock, his campaign manager and one other.
Donovan hopes to succeed Rep. Christopher Murphy (D), who is running for Senate. The state Speaker has locked up much of the state establishment support, but his campaign has not been easy. His Democratic competition includes
EMILY’s List-backed former state Rep. Elizabeth Esty and public relations professional Dan Roberti.
In the general election, Roll Call rates this race as Likely Democratic.