A second State Senate Republican has just called for Rowland's resignation, according to WTNH, but I do not have confirmation. At the same time, Rowland again refused today to step down. The Dems are caucusing tonight.
Here's how Rowland is fighting for his political life with a Dem majority:
There are 95 Democrats in the Connecticut House of Representatives. If they all speak for 2 minutes, this caucus could last 3 hours or more.
Members are all over the map: some want an impeachment committee, some want a non-impeachment investigation, some say they should do nothing unless the governor is indicted.
As the Democratic members of the House of Representatives gathered here for their caucus, some of them had come directly from the governor's mansion. Some 14, described as moderate Democrats, meeting face-to-face with him, including Representative Mary Fritz of Wallingford.
Rep. Mary Fritz, (D) Wallingford: "I don't think he should resign. I think there should not be an Impeachment Committee. I believe we should wait for an indictment. What he has done is unethical and immoral, but, to date, it has not been criminal."
Those are the kinds of Democrats Rowland is hoping will help him stay in office, but there appears to be many more who think he should go.
Rep. Wade Hyslop, (D) New London: "I think, at this point, the public trust has been damaged and I think the governor should take a good hard look at his stance, where he stands right now, but I think resignation would be the opportune thing for him to do right now."
But Hyslop and others don't necessarily favor impeachment, some lean toward a non-impeachment investigation of the governor.
Rep. Mike Lawlor, (D) East Haven: "I think we've got to do something. The 'do nothing' option is no longer an option. The policy-making part of state government is really paralyzed at the moment."
All this as the FBI has asked the state DMV for all documents relating to boats used at the governor's summer cottage on Bantam Lake. According to a reliable source, one was sold by the governor for much, much more than it was worth. They also requested documents concerning a vintage '68 Mustang that was a birthday gift to the governor. His former driver, who is now a deputy public safety commissioner, apparently negotiated these purchases, and that's what the feds seem to be looking at.
Prior to his meeting with those 14 moderate Democrats, Rowland met at the mansion with more Republicans, and one told him he should go.
Six-term State Senator John Kissel of Enfield, the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, became the first Republican state senator to ask for the governor's resignation.
Sen. John Kissel, (R) Enfield: "The feedback that I've been getting from my constituents, and just my gut feeling as to where the state of Connecticut is right now, caused me to come to the conclusion that he really should step down."
This sleazeball is going to torture us for days. however, if the story above is close to true, and I have few doubts, there'll be more revelations of questionable judgement and appearances of impropriety by the governor.
It's time to lead, Democrats. get yer act together and do so. Tonight's the night.