Jeff Cohen: Feds Subpoena Adam Cloud Campaign.

The essential Jeff Cohen strikes again. WNPR’s Hartford reporter broke the story today that beleaguered City Treasurer Adam Cloud is the subject of some interest by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The SEC has subpoenaed 2011 and 2015 campaign finance reports from the keeper of the records, the City Clerk’s office.

The news comes just days before Hartford Democratic activists and city employees on the party’s town committee meet to endorse candidates for this fall’s municipal election.

Cloud’s first full term has been marred by scandal, notably his curious relationship with Earl O’Garro, the former city insurance broker to whom Cloud’s office sent hundreds of thousands of dollars before it disappeared. O’Garro’s company was a tenant in a Cloud family building. Cloud will strain to make a convincing case this time that he’s a victim. Expect Cloud’s team, however, to try to convince town committee members that he’s the target of skullduggery that reaches all the way from Hartford to the halls of the SEC.

Cloud’s rambling statement suggests the investigation is being used to damage his reputation. If so, that’s a tiny target.

If the incumbent treasurer wins the town committee’s endorsement next week, September primary voters may be confronted with a Bronin-Cloud ticket. Not good news for the Greenwich brahmin.