Allegations that state Rep. George M. Wilber, D-Colebrook sexually abused a young girl were no secret to Democrats, who investigated the claims in 2002 before Wilber then a first-time candidate for the seat he resigned Tuesday took office. Wilber said he paid the woman who made the sexual abuse allegation to avoid a lawsuit in 2005. The accusations prompted party leaders to withhold financial and staff support for Wilber's 2002 race, in which he edged out Winsted Republican David A. Cappabianca by 210 votes in a three-way race for an open seat. Wilber, 63, withdrew from the race for his...