[5] The fortunes of the Tomasso group improved when William struck up a close connection to Governor Rowland and got interested in politics.
[2] According to the Journal Inquirer William had been a "frequent and respected presence at the state Capitol.
"[6] Tomasso was able to accompany top Rowland administration aides and officials on trips, sometimes in secret, which gave him an advantage in the subsequent bidding processes.
[9] In 2004 the Tomasso Group, Group president William Tomasso, subsidiary TBI Construction, subsidiary Tunxis Management, and Governor Rowland's Chief of Staff Peter N. Ellef were indicted on numerous charges including fraud, racketeering, bribery, and extortion.
[10] Ellef had instructed Connecticut Department of Public Works Commissioner Theodore R. Anson to fast track major public works contracts with the explicit purpose of awarding them to the Tomasso Group.