Congress members want to meet with Rowland

WASHINGTON (AP) - Distressed by the growing controversy around Connecticut Gov. John Rowland's ties to contractors, the state's Republican members of Congress want to meet with him to discuss his political future.

"I frankly don't know how John is able to survive, how he can maintain his position as governor with the authority to lead," said Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn., Friday evening. "It's evident there is still more to this story, and I don't know how he can continue to stay in office."

Shays and Reps. Nancy Johnson and Rob Simmons, all R-Conn., spoke to each other by conference call early Friday afternoon. The call followed revelations Friday that Rowland was in a real estate partnership in the late 1990s with three friends, including a state contractor.

"I think it's important for Nancy, Rob and I, who hold important elected positions and who are fellow Republicans, to sit down with John and say, 'What the heck is going on?' and tell him what we think he needs to do," said Shays.

Johnson called the latest news "extremely troubling."

"While he has apologized for conduct that is clearly indefensible, what's needed right now are answers," she said.

Todd Mitchell, a spokesman for Simmons, said the Republican delegation had requested a meeting, but Rowland spokesman John Wiltse was unaware of any request.

"The governor is more than willing to talk with them," Wiltse said. "Obviously, he's reachable all the time."

The three GOP Congress members have been openly critical of Rowland's behavior, but until now have said the legal and investigation process should take its course.

Simmons said he would gladly meet with the governor and "tell John Rowland once again to be open and honest with the people of Connecticut."

Shays said he wanted the meeting as soon as possible. He wouldn't say whether he thought Rowland needed to step down, but said he does not favor impeachment. A handful of Democratic state legislators have proposed impeachment, although legislative leaders have downplayed the idea.

Shays said he is concerned that Rowland lied to him earlier this week when he assured him no other scandals would break.

"He told me everything was out," said Shays. "But I'm not comfortable that all the facts are out yet; I'm not comfortable with John's statement that this is everything."

Shays also said he was disturbed by a parody of "A Visit From St. Nicholas" read by Rowland's wife, Patricia, that skewered the media.

He said the poem makes him wonder whether Rowland has shown the necessary contrition.

Last week Rowland admitted that some improvements to his summer cottage in Litchfield were paid for by friends and state contractors, some of whom have been subpoenaed as part of a federal corruption investigation.

Rowland had insisted at a Dec. 2 news conference in Waterbury that he had paid for all the work, including a hot tub, a new cathedral ceiling and a heating system.

He has apologized for lying to the media, and said he has no plans to resign.