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Rowland lawyers file appeal as sentencing looms, candidate seeks probation

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Lawyers for former Connecticut Gov. John G. Rowland are making a last-ditch appeal to a federal judge, urging her to dismiss Rowland's convictions for election fraud, conspiracy and obstruction of justice.

In paperwork filed last week, Rowland's lawyers made a procedural argument for his acquittal, the Republican-American newspaper of Waterbury reported Monday. The defense attorneys cited the federal government's failure to respond to its latest motion for acquittal.

This new filing comes shortly before Rowland is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 7 on seven counts related to attempts to hide work on two Republican 5th congressional district campaigns through phony business deals. It renews the defense's previously unsuccessful arguments that there was insufficient evidence to convict Rowland.

Rowland previously served a 10-month sentence after pleading guilty to a corruption-related charge in 2004.

Lisa Wilson-Foley and her husband, Brian Foley, pleaded guilty to federal charges in March.  She is seeking probation.

Prosecutors say she, Foley and Rowland in 2011 conspired to hide Rowland's role in the campaign through a phony business deal. Rowland was paid about $35,000 for the unsuccessful campaign.

She and her husband face up to a year in prison.

In a memo filed Monday, her lawyers said she should get probation based on her limited role in the conspiracy, her cooperation with prosecutors, and the relatively paltry amount of money involved.

She's scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 13.

Rowland faces up to three years for his part in the conspiracy.

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