HARTFORD—The Connecticut Republican Party released the following statement today calling on Congressman Jim Himes (D CT-04) to return campaign contributions made by Rajat Gupta who was convicted last month on federal fraud charges.

“Jim Himes’ campaign finance report once again reminds us that Congressman Himes has accepted $9,600 in campaign donations and as much as $35,750* in fundraising dollars from a convicted insider trader facing 25 years in prison – Rajat Gupta, the Goldman Sachs board member and resident of Westport who was convicted last month on federal charges of conspiracy and securities fraud.

“In addition to donating multiple times to Himes’ campaign, Gupta also hosted a fundraiser for Nancy Pelosi and Congressman Himes for a liberal PAC at his Westport home that brought in an amount they have so far refused to disclose.

“Gupta is one of the highest-ranking executives to be charged a case that has already produced more than two dozen convictions. Incredibly, Rep. Himes has elected to keep the money in his campaign coffers rather than to return the tainted funds or donate them to a worthwhile charity – perhaps to one of the many victims defrauded by his swindle.

“Amazingly, the last Gupta donation of $2,400 was accepted AFTER the Wall Street Journal had already reported that Gupta had been indicted.

“Voters should be outraged by this situation. As things stand right now, Gupta is free on $10 million bail and Himes has nearly $10,000 of his donations.

“Himes should immediately return the $9,600 in Gupta contributions to his campaign and disclose and donate all the money that was raised from the Pelosi fundraiser held at Gupta’s home. Who knows how many of the others convicted in this conspiracy and fraud case may have donated to Himes and Pelosi?”

*According to a report filed with the FEC on 10/15/2008, Jim Himes reported a total of $35,750 in contributions on 9/13/2008—the date of the Gupta fundraiser according to WestportNow.com