(05/10/06) HARTFORD ? A heated hearing surrounding one of Governor Jodi Rell?s (R-CT) fundraisers got underway in Hartford Wednesday.

The initial phase of the hearings was meant to lay out the purpose and scope of the investigation. However, the proceedings quickly deteriorated into bipartisan bickering between Republicans and Democrats. Republican state senators say the hearings are a waste of time because the Elections Enforcement Commission already investigated the fundraiser and found no wrongdoing.

In addition, Republicans can?t understand why a Democrat who also had issues with the Elections Enforcement Commission is chairing the hearings. Democrats fired back by claiming the Republican Party is attempting to deceive investigation proceedings.

Related information: State representative launches ethics violation investigation involving governor