Madison - A Connecticut lawyer charged with making a bomb threat that forced the evacuation of a Republican fundraiser attended by former U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon has pleaded not guilty.

James Byrne decided Thursday to go to trial after he was denied accelerated rehabilitation, a form of probation for first-time offenders.

Authorities say Byrne called police in September saying there was bomb at the home of Madison Republican Town Committee Chairman Tom Banisch, the fundraiser's host.

Byrne and Banisch had been involved in a political squabble.

Byrne is charged with threatening, falsely reporting an incident and second-degree breach of peace.

- Associated Press