Rowland Impeachment Inquiry Wins Legal Battle

A state court has dismissed challenges to subpoenas issued by the legislative committee considering the impeachment of Governor Rowland.

According to the Associated Press:

Judge Kevin Booth said there was no proof the House Select Committee of Inquiry violated any constitutional rights by demanding documents from a New Britain contractor, a Watertown paving company or the governor's former chief of staff.

The Hartford Courant reported that Judge Booth's decision found the challenge to the subpoenaed documents was premature, not baseless:

If the impeachment panel presses the issue by seeking court sanctions for non-compliance, such as fines or even imprisonment, then a plea for relief from the Superior Court would be timely, Booth wrote.

Lawyers for those who challenged the subpoenas last month are studying judge Booth's decision. The subpoenas were challenged as unreasonable, violating the constitutional rights of those subpoened and harming their rights in connection with a federal corruption investigation.

Rowland is under fire for accepting gifts from state contractors and others, and then lying about it. He has apologized and said he provided nothing in return to the gift-givers and has not compromised his office. He is also the subject of a federal corruption that is looking into similar issues as the House inquiry committee.