HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — House Speaker Chris Donovan, whose campaign for a U.S. House seat has been rocked by the arrest of a one-time finance manager, says the hiring of the aide does not show he's incompetent.

Donovan, appearing on WFSB-TV's "Face the State" on Sunday, was asked if he's incompetent and said he's a very good manager.

He says, "There was a mistake in my campaign."

Donovan said he trusted his aides such as Robert Braddock Jr. who was charged with trying to hide the source of $20,000 for certain donations connected to an effort to kill legislation before the General Assembly that would have raised taxes and fees on "roll-your-own" smoke shop owners.

Braddock's lawyer says his client is innocent.

Donovan said he does not blame himself, instead saying aides failed to do their jobs.