Seven arrested in probe of Dem Donovan's fundraising

Seven people were arrested Thursday in connection to Connecticut state House Speaker Chris Donovan's (D) campaign for Congress, an ominous sign for his viability in both the primary and general election.

Those arrested include Donovan's former campaign manager and finance chairman, both of whom he fired when the scandal began to break, as well as a local police detective and union official, according to documents released by the Department of Justice. An eighth pleaded guilty to the charges facing him.

Donavan has denied any involvement in the case, in which local tobacco shop owners allegedly sought to funnel $27,5000 in donations to him illegally using other people's names. Soon after the scandal broke, he hired an independent investigator who said there was no evidence Donovan had been aware of the deal. 

However, the FBI's newly released indictment might cast some doubt on that: It includes quotes from the former campaign manager suggesting he might have told Donovan about the deal.

When asked by the finance chairman if Donovan was "good with this," the campaign manager replied, "Yeah... I'm, you know, doing everything I can."

Donovan, the onetime front-runner for the open seat, is facing a tough challenge from attorney Elizabeth Esty (D) in the slightly Democratic-leaning district.

The Hill rates the race "lean Democratic," and, if Donovan wins the Aug. 14 primary, is likely to move the race into the "toss-up" category.

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