New Haven — Former Connecticut Gov. John G. Rowland's attorney has outlined an appeal strategy and is asking that his client remain free while that appeal makes its way through the federal courts.

Attorney Andrew Fish, in court papers filed Friday, argues Rowland has a good chance of having his conviction overturned and does not pose a risk of flight or a danger to the community.

Rowland faces 2 ½ years in prison on charges that include conspiring to hide payments for work he did on the 2012 congressional campaign of Republican Lisa Wilson-Foley.

Fish argues, among other things, prosecutors failed tell the defense that Wilson-Foley said she believed Rowland was hired to do legitimate consulting work for her husband's health care company.

The government has not yet responded to the court filing.