High court stays out of Conn. layoff case

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from former Connecticut Gov. John G. Rowland over claims his administration violated state employees’ constitutional rights when it laid off 2,800 workers based on their union membership in 2003.

The justices did not comment Tuesday in turning away Rowland’s appeal, including his contention that the case could have national implications because it would hamper governors during labor negotiations.