HARTFORD, Conn., May 20 (UPI) -- Connecticut's governor, subject of a federal investigation and possible impeachment, was replaced as the state chairman of President Bush's re-election team.
Gov. John G. Rowland, a longtime friend of the Bush family, was replaced by businessman Thomas Foley and former Ambassador Craig Stapleton, the Hartford Courant reported Thursday.
It was also announced that Rowland will not travel to New York for the Republican National Convention this summer, the Courant said. Lt. Gov. M. Jodi Rell will lead the Connecticut delegation at the convention.
"The governor not going to the convention is the right call. Otherwise, he becomes the story," former state Republican Chairman Richard Foley told the newspaper.
Rowland is under investigation for alleged questionable conduct regarding gifts from people who do business with the state. A state legislature committee has a June 30 deadline regarding a report on whether its members believe Rowland should be impeached over the allegations. If they recommend impeachment, Rowland could be on trial during the Republican convention.
