ROMWELL, Conn., Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Connecticut Gov. John Rowland, under fire for having free work done on his cottage, apologized Wednesday, but vowed to remain in office.
"Today, as I did last week, I ask the people of Connecticut for forgiveness, not their sympathy," the three-term Republican governor told a meeting of the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce, in Romwell, Conn.
Said Rowland: "Every human being has shortcomings and has experienced failures. Over these last few weeks I have grappled with more than my fair share of failures and with these failures comes embarrassment and a profound sense of humility."
After initial denials, Rowland admitted he had had free construction work done or paid for by his aides.
"I will finish what I started. I am a governor with promises to keep and still some to make, and I will do all I can to see them fulfilled."
The New York Times said many of the people from whom he accepted work are being investigated in a federal corruption investigation into the awarding of state contracts.
