Twardy Report Not Ready Yet; Possibly Thursday or Friday

The long-awaited Twardy Report on campaign fundraising irregularities is not ready yet, House Speaker Christopher Donovan said Monday.

Donovan told reporters that he has not yet seen the document that is being prepared by former U.S. Attorney Stanley Twardy, who is now an attorney in private practice in Stamford. Twardy was hired by Donovan’s Congressional campaign to look into the entire fundraising operation after the May 30 arrest of Robert Braddock, Jr., the campaign finance director, on charges of concealing the identities of contributors.

The campaign had hoped that the report would be ready in 15 days, but that was one month ago.

“I haven’t seen it,” Donovan said Monday at the state Capitol complex.

Donovan said he did not know exactly when the report will be available.

“I don’t know. You’ll have to ask him. It’s up to Stan. He’s doing the investigation,” Donovan said. ”I’m waiting to hear from him. … We’re hoping it gets done soon.”

“I want to see it. That’s the whole point.”

Twardy said late Monday afternoon that the report would likely be ready on Thursday or Friday.

When asked how much the report will cost, Donovan said,  “I’m sure he’ll give us a bill. … We’ll talk to him about the price.”

Although the latest quarter ended on June 30, Donovan declined to reveal how much money his campaign has raised – saying the totals are still being tallied.

When asked if he has had recent difficulties in fundraising in light of the FBI investigation, Donovan said, “We’ll see when we get all the numbers together.”

While some forums have been held, the campaigns have not had any recent debates.

“I’m always open to debates. I’m open to debate,” Donovan said. “I’m the only one who has really fought for people in this race.”

Donovan declined to comment on former U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy’s vist Monday on behalf of Democrat Dan Roberti of Kent at a popular ice cream shop on Route 44 in Avon. Kennedy’s appearance ranks among the most high-profile so far in a primary campaign that has featured endorsements by local first selectmen.

Donovan, Roberti, and former state Rep. Elizabeth Esty are running in the August 14 Democratic primary. On the Republican side, the convention-endorsed candidate, Sen. Andrew Roraback of Goshen, is facing Justin Bernier of Plainville, Mark Greenberg of Litchfield, and Lisa Wilson-Foley of Simsbury.