Donovan Spends $50,000 On Legal Fees; Reports $149,000 In Debt

Although he withdrew from the 5th Congressional District race in late August, state House Speaker Chris Donovan was still required to file a third quarter campaign finance report with the Federal Election Commission.

The Meriden Democrat reports having $7,786 on hand as of Sept. 30 — the end of the third quarter. However, he also reports having debts and obligations that total $149,143.

Donovan paid Day Pitney $50,000 for legal services during the third quarter, but still owes the Boston law firm another $86,454. He also owes Zeldes, Needle & Cooper in Bridgeport $26,035 for legal services.

Donovan’s finance report says he raised $91,517 between July 26 and Sept. 30 and spent $460,790.

In addition to paying Day Pitney some of what he owes, Donovan also spent money on advertising and media buys, consultant fees and on general campaign expenses, such as phone services and staff salaries.

Most, but not all, of the campaign contributions Donovan received during the third quarter were given to his campaign before the Aug. 14 Democratic primary. Several contributions were made through ActBlue, a political action committee that raises money for Democratic Party candidates.

After Donovan lost the primary to Elizabeth Esty, of Cheshire, he remained a congressional candidate because he was endorsed by the Working Families Party. In late August, he withdrew from the race and threw his support behind Esty.

Many attribute Donovan’s loss in the primary to a FBI investigation. Throughout the last few months of Donovan’s congressional campaign, the FBI was investigating his campaign finances.

In the spring, Donovan’s campaign finance director, Robert Braddock Jr., was arrested. Shortly before the primary, his former campaign manager, Joshua Nassi, was arrested.

Donovan has denied participation in or knowledge of a campaign finance conspiracy.