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Lawmakers split on bill banning felons from public office

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) The two chairmen of a key committee of the legislature differ over a proposal that would ban politicians convicted of felonies from the ballot.

The Connecticut Post reports that state Sen. Eric Coleman, Senate chairman of the legislature's Judiciary Committee, said voters are the best judge of who qualifies for public office.

Rep. William Tong, the committee's House chairman, says public officials should not ``have the opportunity to betray us again.'' He says qualifications already impose limits on public office.

Former Gov. John G. Rowland and ex-state Sen. Ernest E. Newton II of Bridgeport were both sentenced recently over campaign scandals. Each was convicted twice.

Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch promotes the ban. He says sex offenders shouldn't work in day care centers and corrupt politicians shouldn't be in government.

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