Perhaps the timing was off. Former Connecticut state House Speaker James Amann has decided not to accept a job as a senior adviser to the man who replaced him this month as leader of the House of Representatives.
On Friday, Donovan announced that he hired Amann, a Democratic candidate for governor, for $120,000 to help with legislative and administrative matters.
Speaker Christopher Donovan, in a statement released Tuesday afternoon, said he respects Amann's decision in declining the position. "I asked Jim to join my office because of his lengthy legislative experience, his extensive network of business, political and community contacts across the state, and his political perspective."
Amann tells The Associated Press that the controversy that's developed over his hiring is not helpful for House Speaker Christopher Donovan, who is just days into his new job and facing massive budget deficit problems.
There "are other options out there that would be better for me", says Amann. He adds he's revisiting earlier job offers he received from the private sector.
Donovan's statement Tuesday said Amann will "devote his energies to his pursuit of the Democratic nomination for governor."
