Connecticut Republican ends gov campaign over allegations of credit card fraud

A Republican former mayor in Connecticut has suspended her campaign for governor on Thursday, after evidence surfaced that she fraudulently used a city credit card for her own personal use.

According to CT Insider, former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart has been accused by a third-party law firm investigation of "using her city-issued card to pay for membership in a social club, clothes for her personal use and supplies for her daughter's birthday party, among many other purchases."

"The investigation, commissioned by the city of New Britain, adds additional detail to recent media reports about Stewart's improper use of public money," said the report. "Before Thursday, Stewart had declined to explain what appeared to be tens of thousands of dollars in personal charges on her city-issued card, blaming the media and her opponents for the story while promising to address the specifics at a later date."

In response to the report, Stewart stated, "I take the allegations that have been made against me very seriously. And for that reason, I am suspending my gubernatorial campaign effective immediately so that I can focus on addressing those claims."

She also vowed to make full restitution for the improper payments.

"It is my intention not only to suspend my campaign but also to step back from public life as I do what is necessary to address these questions and make things right," she added. "I cannot change the past, but I can make the next right decision — and this is it."

Republicans have not controlled Connecticut's governor's mansion since 2011. Democratic incumbent Gov. Ned Lamont is seeking a third term, although he has a primary challenger in state Rep. Josh Elliott.