Trump pardons former New York congressmember and Connecticut governor - Politico

The Turbulent Life of John Rowland: From Governor to Prisoner

John Rowland, a former Governor of Connecticut, has had a tumultuous life that spans over three decades. Born on August 28, 1957, in New London, Connecticut, Rowland's journey to the top was marked by both triumph and tragedy.

Early Life and Career

Rowland grew up in a family with strong political roots. His father, James Rowland, served as a state representative, and his mother, Nancy, was a volunteer for various charitable organizations. These early influences instilled in John a passion for public service, which he would later pursue.

After graduating from high school, Rowland attended St. Mary's Seminary in New Haven, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1980. He then went on to study law at the University of Connecticut Law School, graduating with his J.D. in 1983.

Entry into Politics

Rowland's entry into politics was facilitated by his connections to the Republican Party. In 1990, he ran for the Connecticut State House of Representatives but lost. Undeterred, Rowland continued to work behind the scenes, volunteering for various politicians and building relationships that would eventually lead him to higher offices.

In 1994, Rowland was elected as a member of the Connecticut General Assembly, where he served two terms before being appointed by Governor Lowell Weicker as Secretary of Administrative Services in 1995. This position gave Rowland valuable experience in state government, which laid the groundwork for his future ambitions.

Governor of Connecticut (1995-2004)

In a surprise move, President Bill Clinton appointed John Rowland as his chief of staff in 1996, marking a significant milestone in Rowland's career. Following Clinton's endorsement, Rowland ran for Governor of Connecticut in 1998 and won the election.

During his time in office, Rowland focused on various issues that impacted Connecticut residents, including education reform, transportation infrastructure, and economic development. His tenure was marked by controversy, however, particularly surrounding his ties to a local developer, Robert Stranahan.

Scandal and Prison Sentence

In 2004, Rowland's term as Governor came to an end. After serving two terms, he lost the Republican primary to candidate Jodi Rill, who ultimately won the general election. However, Rowland's career was far from over. In 2006, he pleaded guilty to federal charges related to his acceptance of gifts and favors while in office, including a luxurious Caribbean vacation.

As part of his plea agreement, Rowland agreed to serve eight months in prison for corrupting a foreign principal. He was sentenced on July 21, 2006, and began serving his sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Otisville, New York.

Re-entry into Politics (2018)

After completing his prison sentence in May 2017, Rowland attempted to re-enter politics by running for a U.S. Congressional seat in Connecticut's 1st congressional district. He won the Republican primary but lost the general election to Democratic challenger Jahana Hayes.

Rowland's second attempt at regaining public office highlights the challenges he has faced since his release from prison. Despite struggling to regain voters' trust, Rowland remains committed to serving the public and rebuilding his reputation as a politician.

Post-Governance Life

Following his failed bid for Congress in 2018, Rowland has kept a relatively low profile. However, he has continued to be active in politics, advocating for various causes, including veterans' rights and healthcare reform.

In recent years, Rowland has spoken publicly about the lessons he learned during his time in prison. He emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions, acknowledging mistakes, and working towards redemption.

Legacy

John Rowland's life is a complex tapestry of triumphs and failures. As Governor of Connecticut, he implemented various initiatives that positively impacted the state. However, his corruption scandal and subsequent imprisonment overshadowed these achievements, leading to widespread criticism and public disapproval.

In conclusion, John Rowland's story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of corruption in politics. His journey from governor to prisoner highlights the importance of accountability and the need for politicians to prioritize the public's trust above personal interests.

While Rowland's future in politics remains uncertain, his efforts to rebuild and regain the public's trust are a testament to his resilience and commitment to service. As he continues on this path, it will be essential to evaluate the lessons he learned from his experiences both in and out of prison.

Timeline of Key Events

• August 28, 1957: John Rowland is born in New London, Connecticut.
• 1980: Rowland graduates from St. Mary's Seminary with a bachelor's degree.
• 1983: Rowland earns his J.D. from the University of Connecticut Law School.
• 1994: Rowland is elected to the Connecticut General Assembly.
• 1995: President Bill Clinton appoints John Rowland as Secretary of Administrative Services.
• 1998: Rowland wins the Republican primary and becomes Governor of Connecticut.
• 2006: Rowland pleads guilty to federal charges related to corruption and accepts an eight-month prison sentence.
• July 21, 2006: Rowland is sentenced to serve time in prison for corrupting a foreign principal.
• May 2017: John Rowland completes his prison sentence.
• 2018: Rowland runs for U.S. Congressional seat but loses the general election.

Notable Quotes

• "I am deeply sorry for my mistakes and the pain I caused to so many people." - John Rowland
• "My time in prison has given me a newfound appreciation for the importance of integrity and accountability in politics." - John Rowland