CongressionalBadBoys.com | home | Rowland John Rowland Republican, Connecticut (1985-1990) The Honorable John Rowland's problems came after he left the Congress and became governor of Connecticut.  So we'll consider him a BadBoy alumni.  Rowland was elected three times as governor of Connecticut, but resigned from office effective July 1, 2004, just ahead of the legislature and an impeachment motion.  Polls showed that 69 percent of Connecticut voters wanted him to step down.  Rowland's problem:  corruption--receiving gifts from people who were doing business with the state.  He received a hot tub from a political appointee, and also accepted free work on his lakeside cottage in Litchfield County.  (See the Honorable James Traficant).  Rowland initially told reporters he paid for the cottage renovations, but later admitted he lied.  It was then revealed that he received other gifts, including a vintage Ford Mustang, and free stays in luxurious Manhattan hotels.  He insisted he never gave favors in return for any gifts.  Even in his resignation speech, he refused to admit ethical lapses.  When his former treasurer went to prison in 1999 on corruption charges, Rowland sanctimoniously said:  "One bad apple cannot ruin the barrel so long as the public recognizes that bad apples ultimately get what they deserve." Following a federal probe, Rowland got what he deserved:  One year in federal prison camp;  then four months home confinement and three years of supervised release.  But, he can earn 12 cents an hour cleaning prison toilets or working in the library. Rowland becomes an honorary member of the Congressional Prison Caucus. Sources:  Stacey Stowe, "Experts Say Prison Camp is Bleak, But Bearable," New York Times, March 19, 2005, B6;  Bill Hutchinson, "Gifts Scandal Topples Gov. Rowland of Conn.," New York Daily News, June 22, 2004, 10.