In all of 2015, records obtained by the AP show Malloy had 14 scheduled meetings with state lawmakers, all leaders. Early in 2016, as debate over how to solve a worsening budget deficit continued, records show Malloy stepped up meetings with lawmakers. Records also show Malloy had one scheduled meeting in 2015 with a Republican legislator, Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano, R-North Haven. Sharkey and Malloy recently sparred over the budget, with Sharkey calling a round of Malloy's proposed cuts a "hit list." Dean Pagani, Rowland's former chief of staff, said the former governor was once advised by former Republican Massachusetts Gov.

Source: ABC News May 22, 2016 08:33 UTC