UPDATE/Confirmed: SEEC Investigation of Former Democratic Candidate, Now CT State Sen. Will Haskell, In Progress for Possible Violation of Election Laws

Report by Paula Antolini, March 22, 2019, 4:11PM EDT

UPDATE on our last story from October 29, 2018, “Election Complaint Filed Against Democrat Will Haskell“:

It has been confirmed that the Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) investigation of former Democratic candidate, now CT State Senator Will Haskell, is in progress regarding the complaint filed by the Chairman of the Connecticut Republican Party J.R. Romano in October 2018 for possible violation of election laws.

The complaint against Haskell was filed by Romano after finding evidence that State Senate candidate Will Haskell has violated the letter and will of CGS9-607(g). concerning “Permissable Expenditures.”

In the committee’s July and October filings, the Will Haskell for CT candidate committee paid Haskell’s roommate, $1,125. The two share an apartment, currently listed for rent at $1,100.

“Will Haskell is showing us that he is too immature to run for office, using a scheme to live in an apartment on state money while families are struggling to pay their own rent. Moreover, Will is using the CEP grant as his own personal slush fund and I think the State Elections Enforcement Committee should look into this matter so abuses like this stop” said Romano. Read more here.

Will Haskell represents Senate District 26.

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According to November 14, 2018 SEEC meeting minutes, File # 2018-008 was determined to be necessary to investigate (the Jr. R. Romano complaint SEEC file number against Will Haskell).

The following information is also shown in the SEEC meeting minutes of their regular meeting on November 14, 2018, (showing Haskell’s File No. 2018-008 included):

V. Executive Session per General Statutes §§ 1-200(6)(B) and (E), and 1-210(b)(1),(3),(4),(10) and General Statutes §9-7a, as amended by Public Act 11-48 §300 (Preliminary draft and agency consideration of enforcement action and exempt records relative thereto)

Haskell is included on the list here:

5. In the Matter of a Complaint by Joseph R. Romano, Jr., Southington
File No. 2018-008
Recommendation of Counsel
Attorney: James Talbert-Slagle
Legal Investigator: Scott Branfuhr

Further 2018-008 listings are in SEEC meeting minutes for January 16, 2019 and February 20, 2019.

As a procedure, the SEEC usually does not comment on a complaint until it is docketed.

The next regular scheduled meeting is April 3, 2019 at 9:30 A.M. in the 5th Floor Conference room.

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