Conn. Gov. Calls for Unity After Scandal

Wednesday January 5, 2005 7:01 PM


By SUSAN HAIGH

Associated Press Writer

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)- Nine days after undergoing breast cancer surgery, Gov. M. Jodi Rell told lawmakers Wednesday that her illness made her focus on ``what is truly important'' and promised strong reform measures in the wake of the corruption scandal that catapulted her into the state's highest office.

Rell, 58, was greeted with a loud chorus of cheers and a lengthy standing ovation as she appeared to deliver the State of the State speech. Many of the lawmakers wore pink ribbons, signifying their support for breast cancer research.

``You know I get embarrassed,'' a smiling Rell said, pleading with the crowd to stop the applause.

It was Rell's first official public appearance since her successful mastectomy and reconstructive surgery Dec. 27, and the first time that she has given the traditional address. In her brief speech, Rell said she wanted to reform the state's ethics and elections system, promising to deliver ``bold proposals'' in the coming days.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-4713058,00.html