The press conference turned heated when Sen. Fasano addressed today’s New London Day article that quoted a Broadwater senior vice president, saying while he hasn’t had time to read the report “that the governor’s press release appears to base it’s findings on a report bought and paid for by a Broadwater opposition group rather than referring to the state’s own 2007 Energy Plan developed by the Connecticut Energy Advisory Board that recommends the development of natural gas transmission and storage projects, including LNG import terminals.”

Fasano called John Hritcho Jr.’s statements “absolutely outrageous,” pointing out the task force received no money for its work.

Later on Senate Minority Leader John McKinney, R-Southport, who didn’t plan on speaking stepped in to defend the task force. He said it’s okay for Broadwater officials to question the report and the facts, “but to challenge the character and integrity and honesty by saying you were bought and paid for is outrageous and disgusting.” He said that tells him Broadwater doesn’t want to get up and dispute the facts, it rather challenge the character of two outstanding senators.

As for the personal attacks, Blumenthal said he was insulted by the “false repugnant claims,” that is “characteristic of how Broadwater has conducted its debate.”

As for the possibility New York will reject the project, Blumenthal said New York’s Lt. Gov. David Paterson, who will become governor on Monday, has a good environmental record. He said before New York’s Department of State postponed its decision in February, it seemed to be “leaning toward disapproval.”