“This certainly must be a trying time for the Governor and his family and regardless of my stance today, my thoughts and prayers are still with him and his family,” he added.

The Senator was among several legislators who met with the Governor at his residence on Wednesday.

“If there were only one or two isolated incidents, then certainly my stance would be different. But there has been a long history of indiscretions and ethics violations, not to mention the current federal investigation into bid-rigging in his administration,” Senator Cappiello continued. “Although I believe the Governor is beginning to understand the significance of his actions, I have concluded that he has lost the trust of the people of Connecticut and thus, his ability to govern the state effectively. I believe it is best for everybody that he step aside now.”

Senator Cappiello wants to be clear that his call for resignation does not mean he has come to any conclusion on possible impeachment of the Governor.

“The standards of impeachable offenses are quite high and I recognize that any impeachment proceeding would set an important precedent. As a juror in such a trial, I must reserve any comment until I hear all the evidence and carefully review the articles of impeachment. Only then could I accurately decide if the Governor’s actions rise to the level of impeachable offenses.”

Senator Cappiello is the Deputy Minority Leader of the State Senate. He serves on the Appropriations, General Law, Internship, Judiciary, Legislative Management Committees and is now in his third term representing the 24th district towns of Danbury, Bethel, Sherman, and New Fairfield.