Chris Donovan Will Stay in 5th District Race

Democratic State House Speaker of Meriden has no intention of quitting his race for the 5th Congressional District, he said today at a news conference. The decision comes despite the mounting controversy surrounding the of Donovan's campaign finance director and an ongoing FBI probe into contributions to his campaign.

Donovan announced today that his supporters want him to continue his campaign, according to a report in the Hartford Courant. He also said he did not know the FBI was investigating his campaign staff and that he has was unaware of questions involving possible influence peddling in his campaign.

It was Donovan's first public appearance since the arrest last week of Robert Braddock Jr., his campaign finance director, on federal charges that he sought to hide questionable campaign donations to Donovan. Braddock was fired from by Donovan following the arrest.

Elizabeth Esty of Cheshire and Dan Roberti of Kent are also vying for the seat and will face Donovan in the August Democratic primary.

The investigation is continuing.