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Cicilline, on Newsmakers, stands by Esserman

Ian Donnis — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:17:37 +0000

Amid word from the state police that further arrests are expected in the probe related to alleged drug-dealing by three Providence police officers, Mayor David Cicilline maintains the department is vastly improved from the time when he took office in 2003.

Rhode Island -- tops in per capita debacles?

Ian Donnis — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:31:36 +0000

The political problems of New York Governor David Patterson led seven Newseek staffers to make their respective cases for which state is most corrupt. Former WRNI staffer Nancy Cook writes about Rhode Island:

For now, no Cicilline endorsement in mayor's race

Ian Donnis — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:30:30 +0000

There's a long connection between Providence Mayor David Cicilline and Angel Taveras, one of the Democrats hoping to succeed him at City Hall. During the September 2002 Democratic primary that effectively ushered in the Cicilline era in Providence, Taveras, a lawyer, helped lead the response to concerns about possible voting irregularities. More recently, Cicilline appointed Taveras to a position on the Providence Housing Court (which Taveras left shortly before launching his run). So it wouldn't be surprising if Cicilline eventually joined the litany of crosstown politicos lining up behind Taveras.

Carcieri on WRNI Political Roundtable Friday a.m.

Scott MacKay — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:48:15 +0000

Governor Carcieri discusses a wide range of topics in a session with Scott MacKay, Ian Donnis and Maureen Moakley on WRNI's Political Roundtable Friday. The conversation ranges from Rhode Island's troubled economy to the red ink in the state budget to his biggest regret in his seven years as governor. Roundtable runs every Friday on Morning Edition at 5:40 and 7:40. The show is also posted at the WRNI website, WRNI.org.

Mediator to join talks on Central Falls

Ian Donnis — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:22:34 +0000

What a difference a few weeks make. The AP's Ray Henry reported the following earlier today:

The head of a troubled Rhode Island school that fired all its teachers has agreed to use a mediator in upcoming negotiations with the teachers' union.

read more

Pacheco likely new Democratic State Chairman

Scott MacKay — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:30:09 +0000

Burrillville State Rep. Ed Pacheco is emerging as the consensus choice for state Democratic chairman, according to State House sources.

Pacheco, 29, a URI grad, is a passionate young representative who is loyal to the new House Speaker, Rep. Gordon Fox of Providence. Bill Lynch, the veteran Democratic chairman, left the post to run for the Democratic nomination for U.S. House in the 1st District.

Perry, Ajello endorse Taveras mayoral bid

Scott MacKay — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:20:25 +0000

In the first byproduct of Myrth York's decision to forego a run for mayor and endorse Angel Taveras, Taveras has picked up endorsements from two key East Side political players -- State Sen. Rhoda Perry and State Rep. Edith Ajello.

Myrth York out of Providence Mayoral Race; Will Endorse Taveras

Scott MacKay — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:58:36 +0000

WRNI has learned that former State Sen. Myrth York is not running for Providence mayor and will endorse Angel Taveras in the 2010 mayoral election. York's endorsement is important because she is popular on the vote-rich East Side.The York endorsem4ent is a big boost to the campaign of Taveras. While York was unsuccessful in her three campaigns for governor, she always ran well in Providence.

Achorn on Old Hoss Radbourn's amazing season

Ian Donnis — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:04:56 +0000

Speaking of baseball, the national pastime hereabouts is most commonly associated with the Red Sox and the PawSox, Boston's top minor league team. But baseball has a long history in the Ocean State, and Fifty-nine in '84, a book due to be published next week by Providence Journal editorial columnist Edward Achorn, shines a light on Old Hoss Radbourn's record-setting 1884 season with the Providence Grays.

read more

ProJo hires New Hampshire reporter to cover Red Sox

Scott MacKay — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:31:38 +0000

The Providence Journal has gone outside the newspaper to hire a new Boston Red Sox beat writer. Taking the job that is vacant due to the departure of Joe McDonald for ESPN is Brian MacPherson, who has covered the team for the New Hampshire Union Leader.

Angel Taveras fund-raising starts with diverse committee

Scott MacKay — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:24:12 +0000

The Angel Taveras campaign for mayor has scheduled a fund-raiser for March 25 at the Roger Williams Park Casino. Taveras has a solid list of leaders from the city's Latino community sponsoring the event, which is no surprise. But what is giving his fledgling campaign traction is the number of East Side political activists who have signed on even before former State Sen. Myrth York or former Mayor Joseph Paolino Jr., have decided whether to make the run.

Angel Taveras off to strong mayoral campaign start

Scott MacKay — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:56:33 +0000

You don't need a U.S. Census survey to chart the changes in Providence's population. Just stroll down Broad Street, the business lifeline of the city's South Side. A century ago, the business signs read: Kelly Brothers Market, Macnair Florists, Tolchinsky Tailors and Reilly Undertakers.

Politics of perception and the race for CD-1

Ian Donnis — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:23:32 +0000

Bill Lynch and David Cicilline, for now at least, remain the only declared Democrats in the race to succeed US Representative Patrick Kennedy -- and they each face particular challenges as this race moves to November.

ProJo sports section departures continue

Ian Donnis — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:13:23 +0000

Patriots beat writer Shalise Manza Young is the latest scribe set to leave the Providence Journal's sports section.

Boston Sports Media Watch had this yesterday:

Young announced the news on both Twitter and Facebook this afternoon. On the latter, she posted:

read more

Casinos eyed anew in Massachusetts

Ian Donnis — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:33:55 +0000

UPDATE, 12:25 pm: Costantino backs ballot question for table games

House Finance Committee chairman Steven Costantino, a Providence mayoral candidate, says he expects a question to be placed on the November ballot that could introduce table games at Twin River and Newport Grand.

Chafee Staffs Up

Scott MacKay — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:35:09 +0000

Former U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee has hired Darcie Johnson, a fund-raising consultant who worked on his 2006 Senate race for his 2010 run for governor. Johnson works mostly for Republicans and has clients nationwide. She is a Vermont native whose father, Jim Johnson, is a veteran Vermont lobbyist who was a confidante of and fund-raiser for former Vermont U.S. Sen. James M. Jeffords.

Taveras lands two endorsements

Ian Donnis — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:24:58 +0000

This just in from the Providence mayoral campaign of Angel Taveras:

Kevin Jackson, a Providence City Councilman, and John Kelly, President and CEO of Meeting Street, today endorsed Angel Taveras for Mayor of Providence and urged city voters to support him. Councilman Jackson represents Ward Three on Providence's East Side and John Kelly is a respected civic leader who lives in South Elmwood. Both were considered likely Mayoral candidates in 2010.

read more

ProJo set to move ahead with different Web approach

Ian Donnis — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:36:31 +0000

Providence Journal executive editor Tom Heslin indicated to a Common Cause audience last October that the ProJo was likely to experiment with a new approach for Web content in the new year. That moment is fast approaching, reports Ted Nesi of the Providence Business News:

McKee still undecided on congressional run

Ian Donnis — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:37:55 +0000

Cumberland Mayor Daniel McKee says he hopes to make his decision on whether to run for the congressional seat being vacated by Patrick Kennedy in the next few days.

The decision is particularly important for Bill Lynch, one of the two Democrats in the hunt, since McKee would cut into Lynch's base in the Blackstone Valley towns north of Providence, thereby aiding David Cicilline.

Chafee leads in Rasmussen survey

Ian Donnis — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:24:35 +0000

The gubernatorial campaign of Lincoln Chafee is touting these findings from Rasmussen Reports. Noteworthy is the smaller amount of undecideds than in a recent Brown University poll.

Gambling on the Providence waterfront?

Ian Donnis — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:57:57 +0000

A Senate bill introduced last month (the cosponsors include Senate Finance chairman Daniel DaPonte) resurrects the possiiblity of gambling on the Providence waterfront, among other places:

Tea Party activist running for state rep

Ian Donnis — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:32:15 +0000

While most elements of the Tea Party movement seem to favor remaining outside of party politics, local Tea Party activist Doreen Costa of North Kingstown is running for the legislative seat currently held by Democratic state Representative Kenneth Carter.

Gov candidates to back same-sex marriage

Ian Donnis — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:55:05 +0000

The departure from office next January of Governor Carcieri may change the outlook for same-sex marriage in Rhode Island, as demonstrated by an event this week at the State House rotunda:

Rhode Island gubernatorial candidates from across the political spectrum will pledge their support for marriage equality at a rally convened by Marriage Equality Rhode Island [at 4 pm] on March 3, 2010.

read more

The State of RI Taxes And Budgets

Scott MacKay — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:21:20 +0000

The current recession is creating big challenges for federal, state and local governments. Washington is generating deficits as far as the eye can see, while here in Rhode Island, the state budget is deep in the red and city and town leaders are struggling to maintain local services.

Arsenault and his Kennedy scoop

Ian Donnis — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:52:01 +0000

Former ProJo staffer Mark Arsenault scored one of the best media coups in recent history with his detailed Rhode Island Monthly explanation of US Representative Patrick Kennedy's decision to leave office. Even more amazing is how Arsenault had the story in hand three weeks before word started leaking about Kennedy's planned departure.

BREAKING -- Lifespan, Care NE call off merger

Ian Donnis — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:24:57 +0000

In some big news for Rhode Island's healthcare landscape, Lifespan and Care New England are calling off their long-discussed merger. Here are excerpts from a memo dated today by Lifespan CEO and President George Vecchione:

Kerrie Bennett Leaving Kennedy Office

Scott MacKay — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:28:16 +0000

Kerrie Bennett, U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy's press secretary, is leaving the congressman's staff to take a public affairs position at the Rhode Island Foundation. Bennett worked for Kennedy during a tumultuous period, which included the congressman's trip to rehab and the death of his father, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

Speaker Gordon Fox on WRNI Political Roundtable Friday A.M.

Scott MacKay — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:17:57 +0000

House Speaker Gordon Fox, D-Providence, is the featured guest on WRNI's Political Roundtable, which runs at 5:40 and 7:40 a.m. during Friday's Morning Edition. Fox talks with Ian Donnis and Scott MacKay of WRNI and URI political science Prof. Maureen Moakley about the Assembly, taxes, the state budget, the Central Falls teacher firings and what the House plans to do to help move the state out of the recession.

Taveras makes his move

Ian Donnis — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:09:16 +0000

Angel Taveras announced his Providence mayoral campaign this morning. The setting was a tent filled with more than 150 supporters in the rain-swept parking lot of an Olneyville supermarket where Taveras had worked as a youth.

Kilmartin and the egg farmer's daughter

Ian Donnis — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:17:27 +0000

As a piece of political theater, state Representative Peter Kilmartin’s announcement yesterday for attorney general had a bit of something for everyone. Playing to a crowd of more than 150 friends and relatives at the Portuguese Social Club in Pawtucket, Kilmartin paid homage to his family and home city. Kilmartin attributed his first win for state representative, in 1990, to his late father, who was a well-known former principal in Pawtucket.

Nicholas Pell Not Running In District One U.S. Representative Contest

Scott MacKay — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:57:23 +0000

Nicholas `Nick' Pell, the 32-year old grandson of the late Sen. Claiborne Pell, has decided not to run for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. House seat in the 1st District being vacated by Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy.

Taveras to announce mayoral run Thursday

Ian Donnis — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:20:44 +0000

Even though he got a relatively small amount of the vote, Angel Taveras impressed political observers when he made his first run for office in 2000, part of a crowded field for the congressional seat now held by Jim Langevin. When Taveras would run again became a question mostly of timing and his resolve.

Now, with Providence Mayor David Cicilline running for Congress, Taveras is set to announce his run for City Hall, at 10 am Thursday, at 80 Manton Avenue in Olneyville.

This week: meet some candidates

Ian Donnis — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:30:42 +0000

This ample campaign season will allow for a lot of interaction with candidates, and here are two events of note this week:

-- Drinking Liberally resumes its 2010 candidate series tomorrow night when First Congressional District hopeful Bill Lynch appears at the Wild Colonial (8 pm). Democratic rival David Cicilline is slated to make a subsequent appearance.

Brown Poll Shows Scant Support For RI Political Leaders

Scott MacKay — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:10:29 +0000

Rhode Island's recession-wracked voters have scant confidence that the state's elected leaders can bring the state out of the current economic mess, according to Brown University's latest public opinion survey.

The survey was sent after poll supervisor, Brown Political Science Prof. Marian Orr, rechecked numbers for U.S. Sen. Jack Reed. In the first version of the poll sent earlier today, Reed's numbers added up to more than 100.

Bill Lynch tries to grab populist mantle

Ian Donnis — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:58:23 +0000

It's not surprising that candidates in this season of anti-incumbent anger are trying to wrap themselves in the concerns of average voters. So expect to see a lot more of this type of thing as Bill Lynch and David Cicilline duke it out in the Democratic fight to succeed Patrick Kennedy:

Are Teachers Unions The Problem In Failing Schools?

Scott MacKay — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 18:29:50 +0000

Baseball's spring training has started and Central Falls is firing the all the teachers because the kids aren't learning. But there is a difference between baseball and education -when a team finishes last, it's usually the manager who gets fired, not the players. WRNI political analyst Scott MacKay explains.

Baseball Writer Joe McDonald Leaves ProJo

Scott MacKay — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 18:06:51 +0000

Joe McDonald, the Providence Journal's hard-working and talented young sports writer, is leaving for ESPN.COM. McDonald, an energetic reporter with a passion for baseball and hockey, was a comer on the Boston Red Sox beat, which he assumned when Sean McAdam left the ProJo. Maybe this is yet another sad comment on the decline of newspapers, but in the days when dead-tree journalism ruled, it was unusual of for a talented writer like McAdam and a young guy with McDonald's potential to leave print, unless it was for a bigger market newspaper.

Linc Chafee In NY Times

Scott MacKay — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:06:51 +0000

Linc Chafee in the Sunday New York Times with an op-ed piece criticizing both major parties for a lack of leadership, while touting the need for centrist pols running as independents. Chafee writes about the gridlock in the Senate and the problems in getting anything done in Washington.

Taveras sets "a new path"

Ian Donnis — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:29:04 +0000

Expected Providence mayoral candidate Angel Taveras appears to be moving in that direction, as indicated by a post on his Facebook page:

Former Patrick aide to manage Block's campaign

Ian Donnis — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:43:11 +0000

Update, 2:31 pm. Byrd's mixed politics.

State House News Service reports that Byrd, after working for Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, has contributed to Patrick's current Republican rival, Charlie Baker. And liberal labor activist Patrick Crowley see Byrd's affiliation with some conservative campaigns as a sign that the Moderate Party is less than moderate.

Paiva Weed Out Of Congress Running

Scott MacKay — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:11:09 +0000

Rhode Island Senate president Teresa Paive Weed would bring many assets to a race for 1st District Congress: a Newport, Aquidneck Island base, a strong electoral record and a proven legislative resume.

Loughlin Hires Bristol Woman As Campaign Manager

Scott MacKay — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:04:58 +0000

Republican U.S. House hopeful John Loughlin of Tiverton has hired a Bristol woman sho is no stranger ton Rhode Island politics as his campaign manager.

Loughlin has hired Cara Cromwell, a public relations executive and former aide to Democratic Gov. Bruce Sundlun, as his campaign manager. Cromwell, 39, is the daughter of for Republican State Rep. Charles `Chuck' Millard of Bristol. Cromwell is married, has two daughters and is past president of Save Bristol Harbor, the environmental group battline the Weaver's Cove LNG proposal.

Archambault Names Campaign Manager

Scott MacKay — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:04:16 +0000

Steve Archambault, candidate for the Democratic nomination for Rhode Island attorney general, has chosen Samantha Cotter as his campaign manager. Cotter worked as a New Hampshire field organizer for Barack Obama's 2008 campaign. Cotter, of Cranston, is a graduate of Hofstra University and also worked on Ned Lamont's campaign for U.S. Senate in Connecticut.

Costantino's campaign and the budget

Ian Donnis — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:34:29 +0000

Update, 12:59 pm: No outpouring of arts supporters.

Costantino's announcement was attended by more than 100 people, including Speaker Gordon Fox and House Majority Leader Nicholas Mattiello. There was not a noticeable presence of arts advocates concerned about budget cuts.

-----------------------

Joe Paolino Serious About Running For Mayor

Scott MacKay — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:13:30 +0000

In case you thought that former Providence mayor Joseph R. Paolino Jr., is just in the public mulling process, he has decided to put his money where his ambitions may lie. Paolino tells WRNI that he has put $500,000 in his Paolino for Mayor account, which means he is quite serious about making a race for the City Hall office he held from 1984 to 1991.

Winners + Losers: the Mayor's Race

Ian Donnis — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:21:29 +0000

Among the candidates lining up to run for mayor of Providence now that David Cicilline is making a congressional bid, Myrth York is one of the big winners.

Uncaucus wants to hire a mayor

Ian Donnis — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:41:31 +0000

With a big field of Providence mayoral candidates still unfolding, some of the usual suspects of West Side civic engagement/the knowledge economy are promoting Uncaucus, "a citizen-led movement for Providence's future."

The Uncaucus will encourage a citizen-led search to hire a Mayor who will help us build a stronger city. Over the next nine months the Uncaucus will:

read more

Moderate cats are out of the bag

Ian Donnis — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:37:04 +0000

Although the Rhode Island Moderate Party did a good job in keeping the lid on its slate of statewide candidates in advance of the party's Sunday event, details emerged today -- including how party founder Ken Block will the Moderate candidate for governor.

Executive director Christine Hunsinger says Jean Ann Guliano will be the Moderates' candidate for lieutenant governor, and Christopher Little the hopeful for attorney general.

Myrth York is considering the mayor's race

Ian Donnis — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:41:14 +0000

UPDATE: 5:20 pm. York comments.

York says she'll decide whether to run for mayor within the next few weeks. Here's the gist of her message:

I love the city and I think we’re at a crucial moment. I think that Mayor Cicilline’s done a great job moving us forward in a healthy, good direction, and I want to see the city continue in that direction.

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Cicilline, political adviser part ways

Ian Donnis — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:02:47 +0000

Less than 24 hours after news broke last Thursday night that Patrick Kennedy wouldn't be seeking reelection, Providence Mayor David Cicilline and G. Patrick Gould, his recently hired political director, decided to go their separate ways. The move comes barely three months after Gould, a veteran lobbyist in Washington, DC, came aboard to lead the two-term mayor's political operation.

Caprio fundraiser joins Bill Lynch's team

Ian Donnis — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:41:52 +0000

Talk about one degree of separation in Little Rhody: fundraising consultant Amy Gabarra -- who helped propel gubernatorial candidate Frank Caprio to his steady frontrunning fundraising totals -- has signed on to help raise campaign cash for the Congressional campaign of Bill Lynch, the brother of Caprio's Democratic primary rival, Patrick Lynch.

Caprio wins Smithfield Democratic endorsement

Ian Donnis — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:34:44 +0000

Frank Caprio's gubernatorial campaign is claiming what it calls first Democratic endorsement of the 2010 election season. It sent along the following, via e-mail:

Paolino to poll his concepts

Ian Donnis — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:31:06 +0000

Former Providence mayor Joseph R. Paolino's decision on whether to seek the mayor's office this year will depend, in part, on the level of public support for his civic concepts. Paolino says his longtime pollster, Doug Schoen, will assess the favorability of such ideas as growing employment through the local university and hospital sector.

Providence set for mayoral scramble

Ian Donnis — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:13:03 +0000

David Cicilline's decision to run for the Congressional seat being vacated by Patrick Kennedy will set off the greatest free for all for the mayor's office since 1981, when a whopping 25 candidates were in the hunt at some point.

Here's a brief update:

-- John Lombardi announced his campaign this morning near the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier.

Succeeding Patrick Kennedy

Scott MacKay — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 19:36:47 +0000

Providence Mayor David Cicilline and Democratic state chairman Bill Lynch have answered the call of ambition and public service and started campaigns for the Kennedy seat. They are the first but not the last of
the political hopefuls who crave a spot in Congress. From the State House, Burrillville Rep. Ed Pacheo will run and Woonsocket State Rep. Jon Brien is considering it. The grandson of the late Sen. Claiborne Pell, Nick Pell, is interested. And there must be a place somewhere for a strong woman candidate, such as Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts, who doesn’t live in the district, or Rhode Island Senate president Teresa Paiva Weed, who does.

Any Editors Left At The Providence Journal?

Scott MacKay — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 16:19:23 +0000

The movie Groundhog Day must be playing in editors heads at the ProJo's news desk these days. The state's newspaper of record continues day after day to make the same nettlesome historical mistake about the Kennedy family's service in the U.S. Congress. On today's front page, the paper again states that Patrick Kennedy's departure from Congress next January will mark the first time since 1947 that no Kennedy will be serving in Congress.

Cicilline, Lynch Both Declare Run For Congress

Scott MacKay — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 14:02:06 +0000

The race for 1st District Congress ramped up Saturday morning as veteran Democratic State Chairman William Lynch and Providence Mayor David Cicilline formally announced they would be candidates. Both candidates sent news releases announcing their candidacy and Cicilline did his first interview as a candidate with WRNI.

The seat is open due to incumbent Patrick Kennedy's decision to leave the House after 8 terms.

Why Patrick Kennedy isn't running

Ian Donnis — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:05:47 +0000

Rhode Island Monthly has rushed online an article by old friend and ex-ProJo scribe Mark Arsenault offering the most detailed explanation yet on why Patrick Kennedy isn't seeking reelection:

Patrick Kennedy not seeking reelection

Ian Donnis — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 02:58:26 +0000

DEVELOPING -- US Representative Patrick Kennedy, the last member of the Kennedy family in national office, is not seeking reelection, WRNI's Scott MacKay has learned.

Kennedy has won eight terms since 1994. He is being challenged this year by Republican state Representative John Loughlin of Tiverton.

Andy Miga of the AP had this update at 10:26:

Carcieri Backs Off Threat To Withhold $33 million In Car Tax Money to Cities and Towns

Scott MacKay — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:36:12 +0000

Governor Carcieri has backed away from his plan to withhold $33 million in quarterly car tax payments due this month to the city's 39 cities and towns. The governor's action came after General Assembly leaders opposed the move and the governor's lawyers told him there was little chance he would prevail in court, said Daniel Beardsley, executive director of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, which lobbies on behalf of the state's municipalities.

Voter dissatisfaction high, Palin down

Ian Donnis — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:48:55 +0000

Key findings from a new Washington Post-ABC News poll include a 55 percent disapproval rating for Sarah Palin:

Kapstein tells Dem chairman of LG run

Ian Donnis — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:49:57 +0000

UPDATE, 2:01 pm: Lynch calls it "a private conversation"

I just heard back from state Democratic chairman William Lynch, who confirmed he talked this morning with Jeremy Kapstein. "All I'm going to say was that it was a personal conversation," says Lynch, "and I'm not going to get into what Jerry and I discussed."

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Vote on speaker reportedly delayed

Ian Donnis — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:25:41 +0000

Via Channel 10:

PROVIDENCE—The planned hand-off of power in the state House of Representatives has been postponed to Thursday.

The House has canceled Wednesday’s session because of an expected snowstorm.

NBC 10 reported that Speaker of the House William Murphy plans to step down from the speaker’s position and that Gordon Fox will be nominated as the next speaker.

read more

Fox appears poised for national milestone

Ian Donnis — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:05:39 +0000

Overlooked in the coverage of Gordon Fox's imminent ascension to the speakership of the Rhode Island House is how Fox appears poised to become the first openly gay speaker in the United States.

Rep. Ray Sullivan Leaving House, Taking Job With U.S. Rep. Langevin

Scott MacKay — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:11:19 +0000

Rep. Ray Sullivan, a leader among young Rhode Island House Democrats, is leaving the House and taking a job as deputy district director of government affairs for U.S. Rep. James Langevin.

Sullivan, 33, is well-respected among Democrats for his political savvy; he was campaign director for Barack Obama's campaign in Rhode Island. Before that he worked for Myrth York's 2002 campaign for governor. Sullivan is also a former journalist.

Three gov candidates to back same-sex marriage

Ian Donnis — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:37:27 +0000

As expected, the January 2011 departure of Governor Carcieri -- and Gordon Fox's anticipated move this week into the speakership -- will change the dynamic around long-stalled gay marriage legislation in Rhode Island. Here's further evidence, via Boston-based Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD):

White Smoke Rises From State House, Fox New Speaker This Week

Scott MacKay — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:35:29 +0000

When House Speaker Bill Murphy steps down later this week, he will hand the gavel to his loyal lieutenant, Gordon Fox of Providence.

House Speaker is one of the two or three most powerful jobs in state government, yet the campaign for the post has been invisible to all but the 75 state reps and the usual gang of state House lobbyists, journalists and pols.

The campaign has been playing out behind the scenes for months now, with Fox and Murphy lining up support from Democrats who form the vast majority on Smith Hill.

Top Mod candidate isn't Hazen White or Kehew

Ian Donnis — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:43:42 +0000

The complicated dynamic in Rhode Island's 2010 governor's race -- with Democratic, Republican, independent, and Moderate candidates -- makes more significant the matter of just who's running for the Mods. Under the right circumstances, the Mod candidate might draw from some combination of the other entrants in the race.

Raptakis hires campaign manager

Ian Donnis — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:25:06 +0000

This just in:

State Senator Lou Raptakis, who recently announced his campaign for Secretary of State, has hired Erin Arcand to serve as his Campaign Manager. For the past four years, Arcand served as a campaign manager for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, directing fundraising efforts and organizing a range of special events, such as the annual Light the Night campaign.

read more

Kennedy calls Brown's candidacy "a joke"

Ian Donnis — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:02:18 +0000

US Representative Patrick Kennedy's camp wasn't commenting to reporters following GOP rival John Loughlin's campaign announcement yesterday. But that hasn't stopped Kennedy from firing a shot of his own against one of Loughlin's role models, newly minted Senator Scott Brown. As Politico reports:

Gary Sasse has resigned

Ian Donnis — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:00:58 +0000

The long-anticipated resignation of Gary Sasse is at hand. As recently as yesterday afternoon, Carcieri spokeswoman Amy Kempe denied that Sasse's resignation had already been accepted.

Media woes -- is government the answer?

Ian Donnis — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:25:05 +0000

Media Nation, my ex-colleague Dan Kennedy's blog, is a must-read for people interested in the evolution of media. And Kennedy had an interesting post yesterday exploring the usefulness and legitimacy of government support* for public-interest reporting. An excerpt:

Loughlin touts the Scott Brown thing

Ian Donnis — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:43:26 +0000

A day before he formally unveils his Republican challenge to US Representative Patrick J. Kennedy, John Loughlin is using Facebook to play up comparisons with Scott Brown's upset victory in Massachusetts. As Ted Nesi reports at Providence Business News:

Channel 12 set to release poll results

Ian Donnis — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:12:30 +0000

WPRI-TV (Channel 12) is getting ready to release some early indicators on this big political year (disclosure: I'm a weekly panelist on the station's Newsmakers show). The poll, billed as the station's largest, includes the following questions:

Fernandez Sounding Populist Note?

Scott MacKay — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:31:38 +0000

Joe Fernandez, ths former Providence city solicitor who is running for the Democratic nomination for attorney general, blasted the National Grid utility in a new release.

Fernandez asked the electric utility to withdraw its request for an 11.2 percent rate increase that is pending before the state Public Utilities Commission.

Caprio Running As Democrat

Scott MacKay — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:01:43 +0000

Not that anyone outside the RI gang of 500 really cares about this, but the talk show babblers keep on speculating about General Treasurer Frank Caprio's campaign for the Democratic nomination for governor .

The latest rumor, pushed by Atty. General Patrick Lynch's campaign, is that Caprio is going to abandon his party and run as an independent or even as a Republican. These whispers have coursed from the Aurora Civic Association (aka Caprio campaign headquarters) to the talk show circuit and on through the Gang of 500.

Patrick Lynch and the politics of LNG

Ian Donnis — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:34:55 +0000

There will be some interesting political dynamics at work when the Senate Task Force on LNG holds its inaugural meeting at the rise of the Senate today. The issue is provocative since Attorney General Patrick Lynch (who is cultivating labor support in his Democratic primary battle with Frank Caprio) has been an outspoken critic of LNG, while local trade unions see LNG as a lucrative jobs issue.

Mods to announce some candidates

Ian Donnis — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:03:56 +0000

The Moderate Party of RI has said it's waiting until April to unveil its gubernatorial candidate, but some hopefuls will be announced later this month:

After only five months of official recognition as a political party, the Moderate Party of Rhode Island is proud to announce we have recruited great candidates for local city councils, the General Assembly, and several state wide offices, including the office of the Governor.

read more

Dennigan staffs up, reports 52k for Q4

Ian Donnis — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:26:47 +0000

Elizabeth Dennigan, Democratic challenger to US Representative James Langevin, has some news regarding her staffing and fundraising. She still has a long way to go to catch Langevin in the money race. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, the incumbent, as of 12/31/09, had raised $540,000 in the 2009-2010 cycle, with $406,000 on hand.

Costantino loans himself $150k -- to what end?

Ian Donnis — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:38:07 +0000

A big increase in the House Finance chairman's war chest fuels thinking that he will become the third candidate in the Democratic field for treasurer, but Steven Costantino tells the ProJo's Steve Peoples that that's not necessarily so.

Costantino, who is considering a run for state treasurer, had $89,037.44 in his campaign account on Oct. 1 and $267,274.71 on Dec. 31, according to his filing with the state Board of Elections made public Thursday.

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MacKay On Carcieri's Legacy

Scott MacKay — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:29:16 +0000

Don Carcieri rode his white horse from the business world into the governor's office in the 2002 election. His pitch to voters was simple, in retrospect too simple: He was the no-nonsense businessman from the real world ready to slay the entrenched State House interests.

In his bespoke suits and prosiac language he cut a figure as an earnest outsider who would bring good jobs to a state that needed more of them.

Lynch uncertain if Dems will endorse a gov candidate

Ian Donnis — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:11:22 +0000

The Democratic endorsement for governor is a politically sensitive issue for party chairman William Lynch, since his brother, Patrick Lynch, is one of the candidates. If the party endorses Lynch, some may question whether it was based on merit. And if Frank Caprio got the nod, it could be held up as an argument against Patrick Lynch's gubernatorial campaign. Yet as William Lynch pointed out following a taping this morning of WPRI-WNAC-TV's Newsmakers, 2002's three-way Democratic primary between Myrth York, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Tony Pires may offer a precedent (that, not coincidentally, wouldl spare the chairman some aggravation).

Lynch doubts gov run by Kapstein

Ian Donnis — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:24:56 +0000

Rhode Island's Future took note of a Boston Globe "celebrity news" report suggesting that Red Sox executive Jeremy Kapstein might be preparing for a Democratic gubernatorial run in Rhode Island this year. The story asserts that Kapstein "has told Democratic party officials in the Ocean State he’s serious and has millions to spend on the contest."

Johnson & Wales University Holds Liberia Events

Scott MacKay — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:45:23 +0000

Johnson & Wales University is holding a month-long exploration of Liberia that includes lectures, theater, film, book discussions and an art exhibit. Former U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee will speak on Monday, Feb. 1 at 5:30 at the campus admissions presentation room in the Yena Center, 111 Dorrance St., Providence. Chafee was a member of the 2003 Seate delegation that oversaw the first electrion held in Liberia after over 10 years of civil war.

The Chafee event is free and open to the public.

Whitehouse Votes Against Bernanke

Scott MacKay — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:31:16 +0000

Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse voted against confirmation of Fed chairman Ben Bernanke, but the way he did it won't make him eligible for a profile in courage award.

After the Democratic leadership had salted away the votes to confirm Bernanke _ which the White House wanted_ Whitehouse announced his opposition.

Meeting on Central Falls' probe set for Monday

Ian Donnis — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:39:25 +0000

Representatives of the State Police and the attorney general's office are scheduled to meet Monday to discuss whether an investigation should be launched of Central Falls City Hall, says Captain David Neill of the State Police.

The meeting was originally set for yesterday or today. Neill says the state police will be represented by the lieutenant in charge of investigating financial crimes.

Avedisian to announce his plans next month

Ian Donnis — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:44:39 +0000

Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, who guests this week on WRNI's Political Roundtable, says he'll have an announcement next month about his political future.

So far, there's only GOP general office candidate beyond gubernatorial hopeful John Robitaille -- AG candidate Erik Wallin. Republican chairman Giovanni Cicione told me last week he hopes to have candidates for all of the general officer seats.

Exclusive -- Raimondo's Q4 numbers: 151K

Ian Donnis — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 04:55:40 +0000

As expected, raising campaign cash hasn't proven a challenge for venture capitalist Gina Raimondo in her Democratic campaign for general treasurer:

Moreau spokeswoman declines comment on GOP ethics complaint

Ian Donnis — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:28:04 +0000

UPDATE II, 5:31 pm: Healey says Cicione has it wrong.

Michael Healey, Patrick Lynch's spokesman at the AG's office, got back to me a short time ago. He says Republican Party chairman Giovanni Cicione has mistakenly characterized Lynch's stance regarding a possible investigation of his friend, Central Falls Mayor Charles Moreau. Healey says Lynch has been consistent in stating he will recuse himself if a case arises involving Moreau.

UPDATE: State Police to meet with AG's office.

Kilmartin reports 65K for Q4

Ian Donnis — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:38:23 +0000

State Representative Peter Kilmartin, who wasn't ready to talk specifics when we recently looked at campaign fundraising in the AG's race, now says he pulled in more than $65,000 during the last quarter of 2009 -- an amount that roughly ties him with one of his rivals, Joseph Fernandez.

What Carcieri Didn't Say In State Of State

Scott MacKay — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:47:21 +0000

As is often the case with such speeches, Gov. Don Carcieri's final state of the state address was more notable for what it didn't say than for what it did.

First, there was a nary a word about a state education formula. Rhode Island is the only state in the U.S. without an equitable formula for distributing almost $900 million in state education money to the state's 39 municipalities.

Is Laffey running a stealth campaign?

Ian Donnis — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:41:26 +0000

Amid a keynote address by Steve Laffey tomorrow evening to a meeting of the Rhode Island Tea Party, speculation continues about whether the former Cranston mayor is planning a late entry to the governor's race. Democratic activist Matt Jerzyk puts it more definitively:

Reed To Support Bernanke, Whitehouse Undecided

Scott MacKay — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:38:30 +0000

The confirmation of Ben S. Bernanke to a second four year term as chairman of the Federal Reserve has hit some bumps of late, but Rhode Island Democrat Jack Reed says he will cast a vote to give the former Princeton economics professor a second term.

Carcieri Placates PC Hoops Fans, Snubs URI?

Scott MacKay — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:51:12 +0000

Ah, the politics of Rhode Island basketball, or, Linc Almond would never have done this:

Governor Carcieri moved his state of the state speech from Wednesday to Tuesday evening because of Providence College basketball. You see, the Friars are playing Big East rival Connecticut on Wednesday and some well-placed fans apparently didn't want to have to choose between the guv's annual address to the General Assembly and PC hoops.

RI Health Dept. Veteran Dr. Robert Crausman Heads to Landmark

Scott MacKay — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:25:25 +0000

This just in from WRNI health care reporter Megan Hall: Dr. Robert Crausman, a top RI health department official, is headed to a top executive position at Landmark Hospital. Crausman, a well-regarded state official, was a major figure in setting policy for the state's battle against H1n1.

Crausman is also a former head of Rhode Island's Medical License Board and has been acting chief of the infectious disease arm of the health department.

Archambault urges rejection of Blue Cross rate hike

Ian Donnis — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:55:25 +0000

It attracted notice last week when Attorney General Patrick Lynch recommended a rate hike slightly less than that sought by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island. Now, one of the Democrats seeking to succeed Lynch, is taking a different approach:

Brown Victory Doesn't Signal Rejection Of Health Care Overhaul

Scott MacKay — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:33:45 +0000

The nasty secret of health care overhaul is that the rates of uninsured citizens vary widely across the country. In Massachusetts that rate is about 3 percent. In Texas it is 25 percent. That's because Massachusetts in 2006 established a state-regulated health care system after negotiations between then-Gov. Mitt Romney and the late liberal icon, Ted Kennedy.

TV fuels candidates' cash dependence

Ian Donnis — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:28:20 +0000

The dominant role of money in politics can be traced to a single source: the use of paid television advertising to promote candidates, often to the detriment of rivals who have less money in their war chest. Critics believe that last week's US Supreme Court decision on campaign finance will only exacerbate the decision.

Would Caprio run as an independent?

Ian Donnis — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:55:35 +0000

Frank Caprio's decision to express support for the Rhode Island Statewide Coalition's legislative initiative comes amid the steadily intensifying phase of this year's gubernatorial race. Caprio's effort, a move to curry support with independent voters, has, not surprisingly, drawn criticism from the liberal-labor nexus and gubernatorial rival Patrick Lynch.

Scott Brown's impact for Patrick Kennedy

Ian Donnis — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:25:31 +0000

In the aftermath of Scott Brown's victory on Tuesday, the question now on everyone's tongue is: "Who's the next Scott Brown?" State Representative John Loughlin, a Republican challenging US Representative Patrick Kennedy, hopes to ride the same wave of voter discontent that propelled Brown's upset of the poltical order. But John Loughlin is not Scott Brown. He's John Loughlin. This is because:

Coakley Defeat Continues Mass, RI Voter Coolness Toward Women Candidates

Scott MacKay — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:25:16 +0000

In the national media swirl, one by-product of Martha Coakley's defeat has attracted scant notice: that once again Massachusetts voters have failed to elect a woman to high office.

MacKay King Holiday Essay

Scott MacKay — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:54:45 +0000

We bow our heads and raise our voices to Martin Luther King Jr. We will sing James Weldon Johnson's `Lift every Voice and Sing, we will listen to renditions of the `I have A Dream" speech and we will hear King compared to the prophets of the Old Testament and the Jesus Christ of the new.

RISC fires back at Lynch

Ian Donnis — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:29:31 +0000

The Rhode Island Statewide Coalition has a bone to pick with gubernatorial candidate Patrick Lynch regarding his campaign's criticism of RISC and Frank Caprio:

Harry Staley, Chairman of the Rhode Island Statewide Coalition (RISC) today is issuing the following response to a press statement released by the campaign of Attorney General Patrick Lynch:

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Whitehouse condemns SCOTUS decision

Ian Donnis — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:19:00 +0000

US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse has harsh words for the US Supreme Court's decision to expand corporate campaign finance donations:

Lynch questions Caprio's Democratic credentials

Ian Donnis — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:40:18 +0000

UPDATE: Caprio camp responds.

Here's the full response from the Caprio campaign, via e-mail:

At the exact time our opponents were busy drafting and releasing this attack, Frank was meeting with fifteen small business owners at a factory in Cranston, working on finding ways to save and create jobs. He will not be distracted by engaging in political bickering and maneuvering.

--------------------------

Thompson Judicial Nomination Approved by U.S. Senate Judiciary

Scott MacKay — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:32:30 +0000

The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee voted without opposition to approve the nomination of Rhode Island Superior Court Judge O. Rogeriee Thompson to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First District. The move was praised by Rhode Island Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse.

SCOTUS backs corporate political donations

Ian Donnis — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:35:03 +0000

In a closely watched case with big implications for federal candidates, the US Supreme Court has expanded the influence of money in politics.

Via the AP:

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court has ruled that corporations may spend freely to support or oppose candidates for president and Congress, easing decades-old limits on their participation in federal campaigns.

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Kilmartin staffs up

Ian Donnis — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:48:29 +0000

State Representative Peter Kilmartin has some fresh hires:

Pawtucket, RI – House Majority Whip and former Pawtucket Police Captain Peter Kilmartin (D-RI), while weighing a run for the office of Rhode Island Attorney General, announced today the hiring of Brett Broesder and Chris Farrell – two staffers that will serve as his management team.

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RI GOP: the bar is reset for Republicans

Ian Donnis — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:49:52 +0000

With just 10 reps and senators in the General Assembly, the Rhode Island Republican Party has lost ground during Governor Carcieri's time in office. But the party is feeling its oats following Scott Brown's big upset yesterday:

Patrick Kennedy Next Target Of Voter Anger?

Scott MacKay — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:58:31 +0000

The wave of voter anger that swept across Massachusetts and sent Republican Scott Brown and his old pickup truck to the U.S. Senate will have Democrats from Maine to California trying to figure out what to do next.

After all, it was the Democrats' seat to lose. And they lost it with Martha Coakley, a weak candidate who allowed Brown to define the campaign and shape the race. By the time Democrats woke up and sent Obama to the state, it was too late.

GOP continues discussion on closing primary voting

Ian Donnis — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:49:18 +0000

Lincoln Republican Town Committee chairman Michael Napolitano says his faction of the state GOP believes it can select a chairman pro tempore to replace Giovanni Cicione, since Cicione has publicly taken a side in the dispute over closing primary voting to Republicans.

Napolitano doesn't anticipate such a step tonight, since the gathering is not an official meeting, but the issue of primary voting will be a focus of discussion.

Report: Loughlin to hire Brown's talent

Ian Donnis — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:49:09 +0000

WJAR-TV's Bill Rappleye reports that state Representative John Loughlin, who is challenging US Representative Patrick Kennedy, plans to hire some of GOP Senate candidate Scott Brown's key strategists:

Election watch events for tonight

Ian Donnis — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:36:10 +0000

No word yet on RI Democrats' plans for a results-watch following the 8 pm closing of polls in Massachusetts.

Colleen Conley of the RI Tea Party says she and some fellow Tea Party activists plan to be at Republican Scott Brown's campaign event at the Park Plaza in Boston.

Here's what RI Republicans have in store:

538.com: Coakley has a 26% shot

Ian Donnis — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:26:55 +0000

Nate Silver, whose 538.com became a must-read during the 2008 presidential race has some somber news for Martha Coakley:

Rep. Patrick Kennedy Accompanies Obama To Boston To Stump for Coakley

Scott MacKay — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 14:04:34 +0000

With the political world's eyes focused on the special U.S. Senate election in Massachusetts Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy is accompanying President Obama to Boston today to campaign for Democrat Martha Coakley.

Beverly Najarian to Retire From Carcieri Administration

Scott MacKay — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:38:15 +0000

Beverly Najarian, one of Governor Carcieri's closest aides, is leaving state government, Carcieri administration sources said.

Globe: GOP eyes Brown's run as a model

Ian Donnis — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:45:43 +0000

The surprisingly close US Senate race in Massachusetts is drawing lots of attention and for good reason -- if Republican Scott Brown knocks off Democrat Martha Coakley, or even comes close, it will fuel GOP challengers in mid-term elections later this year.

Dems + GOP to stage joint Haiti benefit

Ian Donnis — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:08:19 +0000

This just in:

Rhode Island Democratic Party Chairman Bill Lynch and Rhode Island Republican Party Chairman Giovanni D. Cicione today announced that both parties would come together to host a joint community fundraiser next Thursday in Providence to benefit the victims of the Haitian earthquake.

read more

Report: Cicilline's 2010 mayoral run to be his last

Ian Donnis — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:01:05 +0000

N4N reports that David Cicilline's latest mayoral run will be his last, although Cicilline didn't shed light on his future plans beyond that.

Did Fernandez or Kilmartin lead in Q4?

Ian Donnis — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:21:58 +0000

Although the gubernatorial race dominated this week's news, candidates for attorney general have been busily raising money for what promises to be a hard-fought Democratic primary. And based on information provided by the campaigns, either Joseph Fernandez or Peter Kilmartin led the money race in the fourth quarter (the state deadline for final figures is February 1).

Front Page Projo News?

Scott MacKay — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:46:09 +0000

Two Page One stories leap from the dead-tree edition this week.

First was the story stating that Vincent A. ``Buddy'' Cianci, the former Providence Mayor and current talk show scold, is going to tun for office. The story was little more than talk-show palaver, which Cianci himself confirmed. ``I'm not running,'' Cianci said with a knowing smile when asked about the report.

And why should he? The well-compensated radio talker has his perfect job - a little state's biggest chops-buster.

Kapstein: keeping political options open

Ian Donnis — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:08:53 +0000

Providence native Jeremy Kapstein, senior advisor/baseball projects for the Red Sox and a celebrated figure in baseball, says he's keeping his options open regarding a possible political run in Rhode Island.

Kapstein made the statement during a speaking appearance last night at La Salle Academy in Providence. It came toward the end of a lengthy Q&A when the Providence native was asked whether he will join the race for governor. The audience of about 300 people responded with applause.

ProJo endorses Coakley for Senate

Ian Donnis — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:24:45 +0000

Continuing the move away from the solid Republicanism that once characterized the Providence Journal's editorial page, the newspaper today offers its backing to the Democrat in the race to fill Ted Kennedy's US Senate seat:

Reed Jumps To Obama's Defense On Terror Issues

Scott MacKay — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:03:10 +0000

One of the cliches of national politics is that Republicans are tough on national security and military issues and Democrats aren't.

This was once laid out as American voters viewing Democrats as the Mommy Party and Republicans as the Daddy Party. The thinking was that voters trusted Democrats on social programs, such as taking care of education and family issues, but looked to Republicans to assume responsibility for deflecting terrorism and building up the military.

Robitaille says "yes" to gov run

Ian Donnis — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:41:42 +0000

A candidate with little public recognition, ties to an unpopular incumbent, and a seemingly limited ability to raise money may face an uphill battle in this year's governor's race. Yet 2010 is bound to be full of its share of political surprises -- with voter discontent and anti-establishment sentiment running strong -- and John Robitaille is making his move:

Monday's political short takes

Ian Donnis — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:39:11 +0000

Odds and ends:

-- Moderate Party of RI officials say they have a gubernatorial candidate, but they don't plan to identify this person until April. During an appearance yesterday on ABC6 on the Record, Moderate executive director Christine Hunsinger says she expects the party to field 30 legislative candidates this year.

Laffey declines run for governor

Ian Donnis — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:40:33 +0000

It's a "no" for Steve Laffey. The ProJo, via the AP's Ray Henry:

Laffey initially ruled out a run in March, but a group of Republican town officials had urged him for weeks to enter the race to succeed Governor Carcieri, who must leave office next year after finishing his second term.

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Mollis gets party backing over Raptakis

Ian Donnis — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 20:57:42 +0000

In a completely unsurprising development, Secretary of State Ralph Mollis has received the backing of state Democratic Party chairman William Lynch. The move comes on the same day that state Senator Lou Raptakis announced his primary challenge to Mollis.

Will Chafee Candor Help Or Hurt Bid For Governor?

Scott MacKay — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:40:08 +0000

Republican-turned-independent Lincoln Chafee has generated a hailstorm of criticism from the usual suspects for saying out loud what every State House leader has been saying privately: That the state’s finances are so bad that a tax increase has to be considered.

Raptakis confirms run for secretary of state

Ian Donnis — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:17:53 +0000

Almost two weeks a report that state Senator Lou Raptakis would run for secretary of state, Raptakis has made it official. Via ProJo:

Pledging to act as "a watchdog for our citizens" and take on the General Assembly, state Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis has announced his plan to run for secretary of state.

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Gio: Laffey hasn't conditioned run on closed primary

Ian Donnis — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:44:48 +0000

State GOP chairman Giovanni Cicione says possible GOP gubernatorial candidate Stephen Laffey hasn't conditioned a run on closing the Republican primary to GOP voters.

In related news, Cicione says Laffey told him he'd make a decision this month on whether to run for governor.

Laffey favors a closed primary, says Cicione. The chairman has faced some sharp pushback for his opposition to the concept, but he doesn't seem concerned, in large part since his latest term runs through next January.

Kennedy Family To Endorse Coakley As Mass Senate Race Tightens

Scott MacKay — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:13:52 +0000

Members of the family of the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy _ led by Kennedy's widow, Vicki Reggie Kennedy _ are slated to stage an event in Medford tomorrow to endorse the candidacy of Massachusetts Atty. Gen. Martha Coakley.

Sgouros' fundraising off to fast start

Ian Donnis — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:12:57 +0000

UPDATE II: Walaska responds.

Senator Walaska says he continues to lean toward a run for treasurer and that he expects to make a decision in February. Walaska says he has not held a fundraiser recently and that his campaign balance remains at about the $79,000 level he reported last fall. Walaska says he will base his decision on various factors, including his level of support, his sense of where he will be most effective, and how to balance his own small business with the demands of a statewide campaign.

Cicilline admires Chafee for broaching tax topic

Ian Donnis — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:22:45 +0000

Recently announced gubernatorial candidates Lincoln Chafee's status as an independent cuts both ways; it allows him to draw support from across the political spectrum, including the state's biggest pool of voters -- unaffiliateds. Yet running outside the bounds of conventional parties will also deny Chafee a share of institutional support, possibly including from those elected officials who like his vision and approach.

A farewell event for Mark Arsenault

Ian Donnis — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:47:34 +0000

Friends and fans of former ProJo scribe/mystery writer Mark Arsenault will have a chance to send him off in style tomorrow evening before his wife, Wall Street Journal reporter Jennifer Levitz, and he embark on a new life in Atlanta.

The move comes after the WSJ recently announced plans to close its Boston bureau. Levitz, remembered as a talented writer at the ProJo, has accepted an assignment with the WSJ in Georgia.

Report: Stokes to lead EDC for a year

Ian Donnis — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:52:40 +0000

Update: It's official. From the governor's office:

"I am pleased that Keith has agreed to lead the EDC for this next year. These next few months are critical to the future success of the agency and our economic recovery. Keith is the right person to continue to build upon the momentum to improve the EDC, strengthen its mission, and to be more responsive to our existing businesses, support the growth of new industries and to improve the economic climate in Rhode Island," said Governor Donald L. Carcieri.

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Silly season greets Chafee's announcement

Ian Donnis — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:38:06 +0000

With a high-stakes governor's race toppping the ticket, 2010 promises to be a great year for political junkies. Rhode Islanders looking for glimmers of fresh leadership will have their chance. Rest assured, though, that sober policy debate and clashing ideas will be accompanied by plenty of knee-jerk political attacks and dubious analysis.

Chafee's Tax Proposal Hammered By Lynch

Scott MacKay — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:52:05 +0000

Atty. Gen. Patrick Lynch lambasted former U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee's proposal that Rhode Island consider a sales tax increase to close the state's yawning budget deficit. Lynch said that Chafee's proposal ``is wrongheaded at best'' and would add to the tax burden ``of the people who need help the most in these difficult times.''

Chafee quickly draws fire from GOP, Dems

Ian Donnis — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:28:31 +0000

In a preview of things to come, Rhode Island's Republican and Democratic parties have fired criticism at newly announced gubernatorial candidate Lincoln Chafee. Voters will ultimately decide whether the jousts have any merit. But they show how Chafee's independent campaign will face a crossfire from left and right.

The GOP weighed in with this hours before Chafee's announcement in Warwick this morning:

Chafee's on Twitter

Ian Donnis — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:58:36 +0000

As Scott notes in his previous post, Lincoln Chafee is out of the gate with some specifics in a campaign thus far more noticeable for their absence. And as befits a modern campaign, Chafee has the obligatory Twitter feed.

Chafee To Champion Property Taxpayers In Governor Run

Scott MacKay — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:04:16 +0000

WARWICK_ Former U.S. Sen. Lincoln D. Chafee, announcing his candidacy for governor, pledged to be the champion of property taxpayers and to move the state's foundering economy forward while protecting state education and public services.

In a substantive speech at a Warwick hotel, Chafee became the first major candidate to announce his candidacy. The onetime Republican will run as an independent. ``I know there are bright days ahead for Rhode Island,'' he said.

Some General Assembly Resolutions

Scott MacKay — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:39:51 +0000

Rhode Island's General Assembly is back at the State House tomorrow (Tuesday) for the start of a new session. WRNI's Scott MacKay takes a look at what's expected to be a challenging session ahead and has a list of New Year's Resolutions for lawmakers.

Chafee Dips Into Pocket, Leads In Fourth Quarter Money In Gov Race

Scott MacKay — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:31:36 +0000

Former U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee, running as an independent for governor, dipped into his family's deep pockets to raise the most campaign cash in the fourth quarter of 2009 among the three top Rhode Island gubernatorial candidates.

Chafee, a Republican-turned-independent, harvested $241,521 in campaign money in the period that ends today, according to J.R. Pagliarini, Chafee's camopaign manager. But all but $41,521 of that total came from he and wife Stephanie Danforth Chafee's personal fortune, Pagliarini confirmed.

Morfessis withdraws as EDC director

Ian Donnis — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:44:04 +0000

After pronouncing herself a Rhode Islander during her introductory news conference, Ioanna Morfessis is out before she began as the new director of the state Economic Development Corporation:

An overdue call for better oversight of quasi-publics?

Ian Donnis — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 18:50:22 +0000

Two months after Democratic gubernatorial rivals Patrick Lynch and Frank Caprio scrapped over the fallout of the stinking mess at the Central Landfill, Lynch is calling for more stringent oversight of the state's quasi-public agencies. Michael O'Connell, executive director of RI Resource Recovery Corporation, sounded a call for expanded oversight back in September.

Will the real Linc Chafee stand up?

Ian Donnis — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:37:36 +0000

With Lincoln Chafee set to formally launch his gubernatorial campaign on Monday, we'll soon get more insight into the message and methodology of the independent candidate. Chafee starts his bid in more or less his longstanding state -- fancied by many liberals, disliked by conservatives, and given a favorable benefit of the doubt by many independents.

Lynch asks Dems to skip candidate forum

Ian Donnis — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:04:15 +0000

Update II: Steven Wright's view.

Speaking before Caprio and Lynch dropped out of the RI Voter Coalition's January 8 forum, here's how Wright described the purpose of the event:

The gov race we've waited for

Ian Donnis — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:44:05 +0000

With Lincoln Chafee set to make his run for governor official on Monday, the pieces are falling into place for a scenario envisioned by your faithful blogger in April 2008:

Chafee to announce campaign next Monday

Ian Donnis — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 20:51:19 +0000

Independent Lincoln Chafee plans to announce his gubernatorial campaign next Monday, January 4, at 10 am, at the Iron Works Tavern in Warwick. The location, part of the Hilton Garden Inn, is close to one of Chafee's favorite pet projects (the Warwick intermodal center) -- so his campaign sees these as symbolizing hope for better economic times.

Democrat stakes hi-vis in District 62 race

Ian Donnis — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:56:07 +0000

While anti-incumbent sentiment may run strong in 2010, don't expect too many tea leaves from tomorrow's special election to fill the House seat vacated by Elizabeth Dennigan -- and not just because there's not an incumbent.

First, the timing for the special election -- between Christmas and New Year's -- means that voting participation will be very low.

Raptakis confirms statewide run

Ian Donnis — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:11:38 +0000

UPDATE: Raptakis going for secretary of state:

So reports Matt Jerzyk:

Raptakis has indeed made a decision and will be challenging incumbent Democratic Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis in the September 14, 2010 Democratic Primary.

read more

Second Democrat joins bid for treasurer

Ian Donnis — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:48:37 +0000

Venture capitalist Gina Raimondo, a liberal and frequent contributor to Democratic candidates, is organizing a campaign for state treasurer, setting the stage for a potential battle for overlapping support between herself and recently announced candidate Tom Sgouros.

Caprio suspends TV advertising

Ian Donnis — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:20:04 +0000

The Phoenix's David Scharfenberg has the story at Not for Nothing:

UPDATE II: O'Brien says she "misspoke" before when she suggested Caprio's suspended advertising campaign will be back up shortly after the holidays. She now says it will be up up sometime "in the first quarter" of the new year. This, it seems, is a real pullback.

read more

Chafee Chooses Pagliarini To Run Campaign

Scott MacKay — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:26:48 +0000

Linc Chafee's independent campaign for governor has struck some longtime Rhode Island political observers as stuck in neutral. Which is why his choice of John R. Pagliarini, a veteran Republican operative, is a good one that may help the candidate get into gear.

Senate Dems Open Door A Crack To Tax Hikes

Scott MacKay — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:08:56 +0000

Rhode Island’s State Senate Majority Leader Dan Connors last week mentioned the word that shall not be uttered at the State House. Connors said the General Assembly may have to raise taxes to cover the $220 million state budget deficit. WRNI political analyst Scott MacKay says 2010 may bring reality to a state government that too often is content to rule by slogan.

Patrick Lynch touts leadership, evades question

Ian Donnis — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:37:52 +0000

Patrick Lynch, the last in a trio of gubernatorial candidates to speak as part of Drinking Liberally's candidate series, turned in a characteristic performance last night: he spent an ample amount of time retail politicking in a packed room at the Wild Colonial while sipping a Guinness; he offered some self-effacing humor while also casting himself as a fighter against such powerful interests Blue Cross & Blue Shield of RI; and the sometimes discursive speaker generally offered crisper answers during the Q+A following his presentation.

Costantino To Leave Chairmanship Of House Finance Committee?

Scott MacKay — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:53:03 +0000

Rep. Steven Costantino, D-Providence, has a tough decision to make over the next few weeks: run for the Democratic nomination for state general treasurer or run for reelection to the General Assembly.

If he opts to run for general treasurer, Costantino thinks he may have to give up his powerful post as chairman of the Finance Committee.

Connors Opens Door To Tax Incerases

Scott MacKay — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:04:22 +0000

Senate Majority Leader Dan Connors, D_Cumberland, is saying out loud what many State House Democrats have been thinking: That Governor Carcieri's budget-balancing plan is too harsh on the state's 39 cities and towns.

In an interview with WRNI and in a statement released today, Connors said the Carcieri's more than $100 million in mid-year cuts to cities and towns is not realistic.

Lynch unveils revamped campaign Web site

Ian Donnis — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:00:08 +0000

Speaking of AG/gubernatorial candidate Patrick Lynch, he's got a new campaign Web site. Among other features: a new video, a Twittter feed, and a stream of photos, including one showing him with President Obama.

UPDATE: Additional detail from campaign manager Mike Mikus:

Rhode Islanders closely divided on healthcare, Afghanistan

Ian Donnis — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:55:43 +0000

That's among the findings of a new Brown University poll. Some other key highlights:

-- President Obama's 53 percent approval rating among Rhode Islanders is down 21 percent from Brown's last poll in May.

-- Governor Carcieri's 36 percent approval rating remains unchanged from May.

-- The percentage of Rhode Islanders who say the state is on the wrong track is up to 68 percent, up three percent.

How will Lynch position himself for 2010?

Ian Donnis — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:13:35 +0000

Tonight's Drinking Liberally appearance by AG Patrick Lynch may offer some clues about how Lynch intends to pitch himself during his Democratic gubernatorial primary battle next year with state Treasurer Frank Caprio. This morning, during an interview with WPRO's John DePetro, Lynch declined to specify how Caprio's more conservative than he is.

Besides Lynch's turn at DL, there's also this tonight:

Carcieri's working deficit-reduction document

Ian Donnis — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:26:34 +0000

WRNI has learned that Carcieri administration briefings with municipal officials and labor leaders were cancelled this afternoon, perhaps because of the release of this document:

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM

TO: Andy Hodgkin, Beverly Najarian, John Robitaille, Gary Sasse, Rosemary Booth Gallogly, Mike Cronan, Fred Sneesby

FROM: Amy Kempe

RE: FY 2010 Supplemental budget briefing schedule and message points

read more

Carcieri To Propose Deep Cuts In State Spending

Scott MacKay — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:06:31 +0000

Gov. Donald Carcieri will propose to the General Assembly that the state make deep cuts in aid to cities and towns, reduce education spending, further slash state employee pension benefits and make cuts in social services.

00s: Worst Decade Ever?

Ian Donnis — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:55:35 +0000

The long-ago 1970s were summed up as "the Me Decade." That seems quaint, of course, given the leadup to last year's fiscal meltdown. Time Magazine recently got a jump on the year in review stuff, dubbing this outgoing decade the worst ever. The magazine went a step further, saying we have met the enemy, and it is us:

Wednesday: Patrick Lynch at Drinking Liberally

Ian Donnis — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:42:15 +0000

Past Drinking Liberally appearances by Lincoln Chafee and Frank Caprio have created a buzz, so Patrick Lynch's turn this Wednesday is bound to be interesting. The details:

Cicione: GOP will have a gubernatorial candidate

Ian Donnis — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 20:55:02 +0000

State GOP chairman Giovanni Cicione told me a short time ago that RI Republicans will have a gubernatorial candidate next year, although it is not yet known who that will be following the withdrawal of Rory Smith.

Will Rhody Republican Split Doom The Party's 2010 Chances?

Scott MacKay — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 20:19:01 +0000

INTRO: Last week, Rhode Island Republicans convened their state central committee to plot strategy for next year's elections. With the state's economy sagging and public disaffection in government growing, 2010 should represent a fine opportunity for the state's tiny band of Republicans to make some gains in overwhelmingly Democratic Rhode Island. But WRNI's Scott MacKay says don't count on it.

Rhode Island's economy is in a shambles, confidence in state government is fast eroding. And the state's Democratic Party controls all but 10 of 113 General Assembly seats.

Rory Smith quits governor's race

Ian Donnis — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:54:59 +0000

After a brief time in the field, Republican Rory Smith is pulling out, leaving the GOP without a candidate, for the time being.

From a statement:

Openly gay house speaker backed in Calif.

Ian Donnis — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:19:45 +0000

As the battle to succeed House Speaker William Murphy quietly continues before the new legislative session, the openly gay status of House Majority Leader Gordon Fox remains a complete non-issue. That's a striking cultural difference from just seven years ago, when some doubted (wrongly, as it turned out) that Providence would elect an openly gay mayor.

Sign of the times: E&P to close

Ian Donnis — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:00:52 +0000

Via Romenesko. The demise of the trade publication of the newspaper industry says a lot about the current media moment.

GOP Social Conservatives Turn Down Platform

Scott MacKay — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:42:34 +0000

Rhode Island's Republican Party split over social issues last night at a GOP state committee dominated by social conservatives. The party's state central committee, meeting at the Newport Best Western hotel, voted 39 to 28 against a platform pushed by party moderates.

At issue was a platform that called for traditional Republican goals of smaller government and lower taxes but specifically avoided any mention of such prickly social issues as gay marriage, illegal immigration and abortion.

More Bad News For State Finances

Scott MacKay — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:06:20 +0000

The recession continues to drive down Rhode Island state revenues, according to the House Fiscal Advisory staff's latest report on the state's fiscal collections.

Tax collections through the end of November are $15.1 million below estimates. This is mostly due to faltering business tax and income tax collections, according to the report. Also below estimates are cigarette tax collections, the inheritance and gift tax, gas taxes and state lottery revenues.

Caprio vs. Carcieri

Ian Donnis — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:26:45 +0000

State treasurer Frank Caprio is drawing conservative brickbats for a critical recent remark about Governor Carcieri -- a possible attempt by Caprio to shed his perception as the more conservative of the two Democrats in next year's gubernatorial campaign.

RI GOP to consider new platform

Ian Donnis — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:44:39 +0000

Speaking of the RI GOP, it is slated to consider a new platform during the party's central meeting in Newport tomorrow evening.

Most notably, the plan has created some division with this element:

In the long standing tradition of New England Republicans, we respect the right of all of our candidates to hold and express their own considered views on social issues.

Anchor Rising has the full platform:

Rasmussen: Tea Party tops GOP

Ian Donnis — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:09:47 +0000

As the Rhode Island Republican Party prepares for a state central committee meeting tomorrow evening in Newport, Rasmussen Reports has some potentially inauspicious news for the GOP near and far (h/t Talking Points Memo):

On the perils of cable's talking heads

Ian Donnis — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:52:34 +0000

MSNBC host Chris Matthews -- whose recent exchange with Bishop Thomas Tobin was must-view watching for Rhode Island political junkies -- exemplifies the leap from to broadcasting made by some former staffers (Matthews formerly worked for the late Speaker Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill).

Caprio's tax-incentive idea: will it work?

Ian Donnis — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:52:04 +0000

With Democratic gubernatorial candidate Frank Caprio already airing campaign commercials, a main emphasis is his professed desire to help the small businesses that provide most jobs in Rhode Island. The state treasurer has talked up this concept during appearances, including his November 25 visit with Drinking Liberally.

Will Afghanistan be Obama's Political Waterloo?

Scott MacKay — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:44:05 +0000

HOST INTRO: There has been a mixed response from liberals to President Obama's decision to send more troops to Afghanistan. Two cases in point -- Rhode Island's two Democratic congressmen, James Langevin and Patrick Kennedy, who are staunch supporters of Obama on almost every issue --except Afghanistan. WRNI's Scott MacKay explains why the reluctance of Rhode Island's representatives could spell trouble for president's troop build up.

Concern raised on ad influence at ProJo sibling

Ian Donnis — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:43:41 +0000

Update II: DMN publisher weighs in

Via Romenesko, the Dallas Observer has an update in which Dallas Morning News publisher Jim Moroney calls this issue "much ado about nothing":

Chafee expects Laffey to run as an indy

Ian Donnis — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:55:17 +0000

As expected, soon-to-be Georgian Mark Arsenault's Rhode Island Monthly feature on the 2010 gubernatorial race is a good read, even if most of the information will be familiar to close political observers. One lingering question, of course, is whether potential candidate Steve Laffey will get back into the mix.

Reed questions Gates on Afghanistan

Ian Donnis — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:07:29 +0000

As the Senate Armed Services Committee today began hearings on President Obama's plan to raise troop levels in Afghanistan, here's one noteworthy exchange between US Senator Jack Reed and Defense Secretary Robert Gates:

Providence unveils "waterfront protection" zone

Ian Donnis — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:08:45 +0000

UPDATE: Not much of an answer?

The City's plan seems unlikely to mollify critics, as I should have noted in my initial post. That's because its Waterfront Protection Zone is well south of the Allens Avenue businesses that critics say are being endangered by the Cicilline administration's plans thereabout for mixed-use development.

-----------------------

Kennedy + the art of deflection

Ian Donnis — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:46:21 +0000

Of Rhode Island's four members of Congress, US Representative Patrick J. Kennedy tends to be the most sheltered from the media, at least here in the Ocean State. This might not be surprising, given both his greater celebrity and past gaffes, but it can be frustrating for reporters.

Adventures in Blogland

Ian Donnis — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:31:07 +0000

Two noteworthy developments in the left and right ends of the Rhode Island blogosphere:

-- Under newish owner Brian Hull, the liberal Rhode Island's Future has a new look and a battery of other cutting-edge changes (nested comment trees?) on the way.

-- On the conservative side, Anchor Rising recently celebrated its fifth anniversary.

Caprio hires Ralston Lapp Media

Ian Donnis — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:27:51 +0000

Facing a perceived disadvantage as the somewhat more conservative of two Democrats in next year's gubernatorial primary, state treasurer Frank Caprio is responding by trying to foster a sense of inevitability about his campaign. He's done this in part by 1) building an imposing war chest; 2) expressing plans to spend to spend big chunks of it early and often; and 3) crafting an appealing message and honing his skills on the stump.

Caprio demonstrated the latter with his Drinking Liberally appearance at the Wild Colonial last Wednesday. I'll have a bit more on that some time this week. For now, you can find Matt Jerzyk's review at Rhode Island's Future (which also, btw, has a detailed roundup by Brian Hull on the emerging field seeking to succeed Caprio as treasurer.

Globe endorses Khazei for Kennedy's seat

Ian Donnis — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:34:56 +0000

Alan Khazei, best known perhaps as the co-founder of City Year, got the Boston Globe's endorsement yesterday in the race to succeed US Senator Edward M. Kennedy. Some highlights:

Sex educator appeals Pawtucket zoning decision

Ian Donnis — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:40:44 +0000

For a sharp contrast between two different downtowns, consider Central Falls and Pawtucket. Despite being an impoverished community, Central Falls has an active downtown jampacked with busy small businesses. Pawtucket is better off financially, but its downtown -- despite such improvements as the Grant and Machines with Magnets -- remains flecked by vacant storefronts.

State Prison Spending Another Case of Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Scott MacKay — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:33:52 +0000

When last week’s Rhode Island House Finance Committee
hearing on state spending turned to the Department of Corrections, lawmakers were not pleased to discover that running the state’s prisons has cost more
than anticipated.

Finance Chairman Steve Costantino and Rep. David Caprio fired sharp questions at A.T. Wall, the state’s longtime corrections commissioner.

How come, they asked, is the prison overtime budget so large? Why aren’t there fewer inmates? And why can’t the state save more money in the prison budgets?

Pay walls on the march

Ian Donnis — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:10:02 +0000

Earlier this year, the Newport Daily News limited online content to subscribers.

More recently, media mega-foot Rupert Murdoch began talking about building pay walls on his Web sites and blocking them from Google's search engines.

Democrat Messier Wins Ballot Lottery To Replace Dennigan

Scott MacKay — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:16:58 +0000

Democrat Mary Duffy Messier of Pawtucket has won the lottery to appear first on the ballot in the Dec. 29 special election to fill former state Rep. Betsy Dennigan's seat.

Republican Thomas Cluny of East Providence will appear second on the ballot followed by independent Paul Dinsmore of East Providence. The lottery for ballot placement was conducted by Secretary of State Ralph Mollis.

Sen. Reed, Terry Murray To Host Kennedy Fundraiser

Scott MacKay — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:43:34 +0000

Sen. Jack Reed and Terry and Suzanne Murray are hosting a cocktail reception for Rep. Patrick Kennedy's reelection campaign. The event is scheduled for Sunday, December 5 at the Murray's home on Providence's East Side. Murray, of course, is a retired banker who once headed Fleet Financial and Bank of America. Contributions begin at $500 for an individual, $1,000 for a supporter and $2,400 for a host.

Arsenault bound for Atlanta

Ian Donnis — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:54:07 +0000

It's a good thing that mystery novelist and former ProJo staffer Mark Arsenault has a higher than typical tolerance for risk. He gave up his reporting job at the Journal to just go for the writerly thing, in part since his wife, former ProJo scribe Jennifer Levitz, was gainfully employed by the Wall Street Journal. Few could anticipate that the WSJ would decide to close its longstanding Boston bureau.

Now, as Levitz explained on her Facebook page, she's taking a job in the WSJ's Atlanta bureau, and the couple is relocating to Georgia.

Many undecided in race for Ted K's seat

Ian Donnis — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:51:31 +0000

As expected, Martha Coakley has the lead in a Boston Globe poll, but there's still time for a surprise in the race to fill Ted Kennedy's US Senate seat:

Attorney General Martha Coakley has a solid lead in the four-way Democratic race for the open US Senate seat, but with just 16 days until the primary election, nearly three-quarters of likely voters have yet to decide who they will support, according to a Globe poll.

read more

It May Be Time For Civil Unions

Scott MacKay — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:58:17 +0000

Gov. Donald Carcieri's veto of legislation that would have allowed gay couples to make funeral arrangements has drawn sharp criticism from gay rights advocates and almost every Democratic state office holder.

Former GOP spokesman Jeff Neal Lands at Harvard

Scott MacKay — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:49:02 +0000

Jeff Neal, former press spokesman for both Sen. Lincoln Chafee and Gov. Donald Carcieri, has landed at Harvard University. Since September Neal has been the spokesman for the faculty of arts and science at the Ivy League college.

Ten things about Frank Caprio

Ian Donnis — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:40:13 +0000

State treasurer Frank Caprio -- thanks to his aggressive, frontrunning fundraising -- has been first out of the box with campaign advertising for next year's gubernatorial content. Caprio continues to ramp up his visibility, making appearances this week on A Lively Experiment and Newsmakers. And Caprio, who will appear next Wednesday, November 25, as part of Drinking Liberally's candidate series, has a chance to capitalize on the disappointment felt by some attendees after Lincoln Chafee's DL appearance last month.

Carcieri Says State Law Allows Gays to Designate Funeral Planner

Scott MacKay — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:07:31 +0000

Gov. Donald Carcieri, stung by criticism of his recent veto of a measure allowing gay partners to make funeral arrangements, now says a state law may already contain a provision that would allow anyone to designate another person to be responsible for funeral planning.

Silver's 10 reasons why Palin could get it

Ian Donnis — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:17:50 +0000

In contrast to David Bernstein, who puts Sarah Palin 16th among possible GOP presidential contenders, another astute guy, Nate Silver, has a Top-10 list of why she could get the Republican nomination in 2012:

Tomorrow: Lani Guinier at Brown

Ian Donnis — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:18:27 +0000

Harvard Law professor Lani Guinier, best known for her failed attorney general nomination in 1993, is slated to be part of a panel at Brown University tomorrow (4 pm, Salmon 101), entitled, "Does Race Matter? Minority Groups and Political Representation."

There's something about East Greenwich

Ian Donnis — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:18:25 +0000

Speaking of the GOP, My02818.com's Bob Plain has an idiosyncratic feature about how three of the Republican-oriented guys who've mulled running for governor next year -- Rory Smith, Robert Corrente, and Robert Flanders -- live in close proximity in East Greenwich:

Handicapping the GOP field for 2012

Ian Donnis — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:04:31 +0000

Sarah Palin will get a bounce from the media blitz surrounding her new book, but she doesn't crack the Top 15 in Boston Phoenix political writer David Bernstein's handicapping of the 2012 Republican field for president. Palin places 16th, behind such notables as former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (11th); former Florida governor Jeb Bush (14th) and former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee (15th).

More Red Ink for Rhode Island Budget

Scott MacKay — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:17:34 +0000

There's more bad budget news for Rhode Island. The state budget office now estimates the deficit for the current fiscal year at almost $220 million.

The news is no big surprise because state income and sales taxes have been plummeted as the recession has gotten deeper. Lawmakers will face the red ink when they return to the State House in January.

Rematch set in Providence's Ward 15

Ian Donnis — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:32:24 +0000

The gubernatorial race has naturally dominated most of the chatter about the looming 2010 campaign season, but an interesting rematch -- setting old-school Providence against the city's changing, increasingly Latino face -- is set to take place in Ward 15.

Incumbent Councilor Josephine DiRuzzo, who has held the seat since first winning election in 1981, tells On Politics that she plans to seek reelection. She will be challenged by community organizer Sabina Matos, who lost to DiRuzzo on a 475-381 vote margin in 2006.

What's next for news?

Ian Donnis — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:09:22 +0000

Media critic Dan Kennedy has a good online slideshow -- entitled What's Next for News: The Future of Journalism in an Uncertain Age -- highlighting some of the familiar challenges and upsides of the shifting media landscape.

Democrats, and Especially Whitehouse, blast Carcieri Veto of Gay Funeral Bill

Scott MacKay — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:03:08 +0000

A bevy of leading Democrats have stepped up to sharply criticize Governor Carcieri for his veto of legislation allowing domestic partners to make funeral arrangements for their loved ones.

Of Bishop Thomas Tobin and Congressman Patrick Kennedy

Scott MacKay — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:52:53 +0000

INTRO: The very public disagreement about health care reform and abortion between Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy and Bishop Thomas Tobin remains unresolved. Kennedy and Tobin had scheduled a meeting last week to discuss their differences, but Kennedy pulled out, saying he didn't want to air the disagreement publicly.

During his nearly 50 years in the U.S. Senate, the late Ted Kennedy's defining passion was extending health care to Americans who lacked it.

Kennedys + the Church: the long view

Ian Donnis — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:25:09 +0000

Courtesy of Boston Globe columnist Joan Vennochi. Here's her shorthand for the showdown between US Representative Patrick Kennedy and Bishop Thomas Tobin:

The fight between Patrick Kennedy and the Providence bishop signals the start of another new day.

read more

Caprio tops PBN's online gov poll

Ian Donnis — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:31:53 +0000

It's not surprising that state treasurer Frank Caprio leads an online gubernatorial poll (46 percent, or 408 votes) in a business-oriented publication like Providence Business News. But it's still interesting, at the moment, that he has almost twice the support of the second-place candidate, Lincoln Chafee (24 percent, 211 votes).

Narragansett School Committee Member Dies In Accident

Scott MacKay — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:50:12 +0000

The man who died after being pulled from a burning car at the park and ride on Boston Neck Road in North Kingstown Wednesday has been identified as Terrence ``Terry'' Ashworth, a member of the Narragansett School Committee.

Ashworth, 37, leaves his wife, a teacher at Narragansett High School and two children, who are students at Narragansett Elementary School.

John King to take Dobbs' role

Ian Donnis — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:31:21 +0000

Another feather in the cap for King, a URI grad who long ago worked in the Providence bureau of the AP. From Politico:

CNN's John King will be taking over the 7 p.m. spot vacated last night by Lou Dobbs in early 2010, the network announced Thursday.

read more

Cicilline hires lobbyist as political director

Ian Donnis — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:01:52 +0000

Update, 4:43 pm. Gould, running between meetings, called in a short time ago to confirm the information in this post.

------------------------

After earlier this year deciding against a gubernatorial run. Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline has hired a lobbyist with Washington, DC, experience to serve as his political director and strengthen his political organization, WRNI has learned.

The mayor's campaign committee has hired G. Patrick Gould, who is expected to play a lead role in Cicilline's reelection campaign next year and to then continue working for the mayor.

Planned Meeting Between Congressman Patrick Kennedy, Bishop Thomas Tobin Off

Scott MacKay — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:52:48 +0000

The meeting to discuss health care and abortion issues between Congressman Patrick Kennedy and Roman Catholic Bishop Thomas Tobin has been postponed, the Bishop's spokesman, Mike Guilfoyle, has confirmed.

More Bad News On State Tax Receipts

Scott MacKay — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:46:06 +0000

Rhode Island's recession-plagued economy continues to drain the state of tax revenue. That's the word from the House Fiscal Advisory staff, which has released the 2010 fiscal year's tax and revenue collections through the end of October.

Total tax revenues are almost $30 million below estimates. The shortfall is driven mostly by the drop in sales tax receipts, which are down 11.8 million, and income taxes, which are down $5.1 million. Cigarette tax collections are also down $3 million.

Gio: Caprio would fare better with GOP

Ian Donnis — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:08:31 +0000

With Election Day 2009 in the record books, we're fast approaching a more active phase of Rhode Island's 2010 campaign season. Here are two recent items of interest on the gubernatorial fight.

Catching up with Mark Arsenault

Ian Donnis — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:52:41 +0000

Former ProJo scribe Mark Arsenault is out with his fourth mystery, Loot the Moon, which recently received a very favorable review from the Journal. Arsenault will be signing copies of the book this Saturday, 4 pm, at the Providence location of Borders.

Today: supporters of gay marriage rally

Ian Donnis — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:55:27 +0000

Even with Gordon Fox, an openly gay man, having a strong shot at the speakership, gay marriage has been going nowhere fast in Rhode Island. And the overturning of gay marriage yesterday by Maine voters may lead more local legislators to conclude that public opinion remains heavier on the anti-same sex marriage side.

Highlights from the outlawing of prostitution in RI

Ian Donnis — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:31:30 +0000

There was a rare degree of bipartisan goodwill during today's State House news conference when Governor Carcieri signed the House and Senate bills outlawing prostitution in Rhode Island. The Republican governor was generous in his kind words for the respective Democratic sponsors, Representative Joanne Giannini and Senator Paul Jabour, calling Giannini a "lioness" in her four years of advocacy for the legislation. Giannini, in turn, credited Sue Carcieri with having boosted her spirits during some down moments. The governor also had warm words for AG Patrick Lynch, and vice versa.

Mod Money: test case bears watching

Ian Donnis — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:46:40 +0000

The ProJo's Steve Peoples today catches up with a story unearthed last week by Pat Crowley at Rhode Island's Future -- how the Moderate Party of Rhode Island is using a fundraising approach that, depending on your perspective, doesn't pass the sniff test or is a creative way of helping a fledgling third party:

Cicilline's communications director leaving City Hall

Ian Donnis — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:49:45 +0000

Rhoades Alderson, director of communications for Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline, is leaving that post to take a job at the New Harbor Group, the Providence communications firm that is home to such savvy folks as David Preston and Dyana Koelsch.

Here's an excerpt of a note he recently sent to colleagues:

Election Day across the US -- and RI

Ian Donnis — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:08:56 +0000

A year after President Obama's historic victory, Election Day 2009 offers far fewer marquee races and considerably less drama.

Should bloggers be covered by a shield law?

Ian Donnis — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:57:39 +0000

UPDATE: Taricani backs protection for bloggers.

In an e-mail to On Politics, following a request for comment, Jim has this to say:

In general, I think, in the spirit of why our Founding Fathers put the freedom of press clause in the First Amendment, that bloggers should be included. I consider bloggers much like the pamphleteers of Franklin's days....the "first press" if you will.

read more

RI ACLU to mark its 50th anniversary

Ian Donnis — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:43:54 +0000

Steve Brown, director of the Rhode Island chapter of the ACLU, is a familiar sight at the State House, as political observers know. Next week, the local chapter will mark its 50th anniversary. Details:

Friday, November 6, 2009 ~ 7:00 pm
(cocktails 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm)

The Westin Hotel, Narragansett Ballroom
One West Exchange Street, Providence . . .

read more

Five questions for Lincoln Chafee

Ian Donnis — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:01:35 +0000

Lincoln Chafee had left the Wild Colonial by the time I got over there last night after covering the House. But the consensus of people we spoke with echoes Matt Jerzyk's view -- that the independent gubernatorial hopeful's Drinking Liberally performance was so underwhelming that it raises questions about his appeal as a candidate.

ProJo: new look, same challenge

Ian Donnis — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:14:15 +0000

ProJo executive editor Tom Heslin describes some tweaks today to the newspaper's look, pleasant changes, IMHO, bearing a passing resemblance to the mid-'90s appearance of the Boston Globe.

A day before his appearance during Common Cause's annual dinner, however, Heslin didn't touch on the existential challenge facing Rhode Island's statewide daily.

Notes from Underground* (Room 35)

Ian Donnis — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:48:57 +0000

Some odds and ends from last night's House Judiciary Committee hearing on the prostitution bill:

-- Representative Gregory Schadone of North Providence, not coincidentally a contestant for the speakership, made a prominent early appearance during the three hours of testimony. He argued against the inclusion of the expungement aspect, but urged passage of the bill.

AG Lynch Approves St. Joseph-Roger Williams Merger

Scott MacKay — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:18:16 +0000

St. Joseph Hospital and Roger Williams Medical Center will merge under a state approval plan announced by Attorney General Patrick Lynch. The two hospitals have been seeking the combination for more than a year. Lynch's approval removes the main barrier to the merger.

Bishop Thomas Tobin Seeks Meeting with Congressman Kennedy

Scott MacKay — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:00:01 +0000

The Rev. Thomas Tobin, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, has requested a meeting with Rep. Patrick Kennedy to discuss Kennedy's criticism of Tobin last week over the issue of national health care.

Kennedy criticized the church hierarchy for objecting to any national health care reform that would allow funding of abortions. Under current law, no taxpayer money can be used to finance abortions.

Rhode Island Has First Suspected Swine Flu Death Since Spring

Scott MacKay — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:19:44 +0000

Rhode Island may have its first swine flu death since the spring. The principal of St. Philomena School in Portsmouth, Donna Bettencourt Glavin, confirms that one of their 7th grade girls died yesterday of flu like symptoms. She had been sick since Friday and had been kept home by her mother. The girl lived in Bristol and had no underlying health problems. Today, 30 students at St. Philomena’s called in sick and another 50 were kept home to grieve or as a precautionary measure.

Consolidation: too late for RI?

Ian Donnis — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:16:05 +0000

During the 10 News Conference broadcast last Sunday, Senate President Teresa Paiva-Weed said she expects legislation to consolidate Rhode Island government to be on the ballot in 2010.

She was reluctant to get into specifics, citing ongoing research by legislative legal staff, but the implication was that of an effort to reduce spending by the state's cities and towns, perhaps by combining services.

Competition blooms in Central Falls

Ian Donnis — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:14:12 +0000

Earlier this year, I documented the story of how statewide Latino political activism has lagged behind in Central Falls, probably the most Latino community in Rhode Island.

Now, thanks in part to mayoral candidate Hipolito Fontes' successful challenge to an archiac ballot-qualification rule, there's an uptick in political competition in Central Falls. So it's fitting that some of these contestants will square off during a public forum sponsored by the RI Latino Civic Fund tomorrow evening:

read more

This week: Chafee visits Drinking Liberally

Ian Donnis — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:20:20 +0000

As we've said before, Drinking Liberally's series of encounters with gubernatorial candidates promises to offer some unscripted moments, particularly with Lincoln Chafee kicking off the fun this Wednesday.

ProJo Circulation Plummets

Scott MacKay — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:56:31 +0000

The Providence Journal has lost nearly 20 percent of its weekday print readers in the past year, as the paper raised the price of a single copy to $1 and laid off employees.

The Journal's average weekday circulation dropped to 106,875, compared with 131,620, as of Sept., 30, 2008, according to the Audit Bureau of Circulation. Sunday circulation was also down sharply, from 186,571 to 154,300.

ProJo's Heslin to discuss newspapers' future

Ian Donnis — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:36:04 +0000

Amid news of declining circulation at the Providence Journal and other dailies, ProJo executive editor Thomas Heslin is slated to talk this week about the future of newspapers.

Mod Party: the hits keep coming

Ian Donnis — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:26:32 +0000

The rubber will meet the road in November 2010. For now, though, the Moderate Party of Rhode Island continues to demonstrate a nascent form of muscularity.

Carcieri Legacy: More Slots Fewer Jobs

Scott MacKay — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:28:28 +0000

If you just run the numbers, this is one legacy of Donald Carcieri's seven years as governor: Rhode Island has 39,000 fewer jobs than the state did in January, 2003, when Carcieri entered the State House. But we have 5,000 more slot machines.

Stokes: residential use at odds with working waterfronts

Ian Donnis — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:28:14 +0000

During WRNI's Newport town meeting last night, Newport Chamber director Keith Stokes offered a strong call for maintaining and strengthening Rhode Island's working waterfronts, particularly those in Newport and Providence.

The topic came up when Stokes offered his view of the two worst mistakes in recent Newport history. The first, he said, was the development of America's Cup Avenue, which acted like a highway in segregating residential neighborhoods from the city's downtown.

Arizona Woman One Of Two Finalists For Top EDC Post

Scott MacKay — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:35:07 +0000

Ionna T. Morfessis, an Arizona economic development executive with a long resume in coalescing business and government, is one of two finalists for the job of executive director of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation.

Gist Calls For End to Senority Based Teacher Assignments

Scott MacKay — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:33:40 +0000

In a move sure to provoke opposition from Rhode Island's teacher unions, new state Education Commissioner Deborah Gist has told school superindentents across the state to end all teacher assignments that are based solely on senority.

Gist, in a letter to superintendents, told them to ``to ensure that nothing in any collective bargaining agreement prevents your district from assigning staff based on a set of performance criteria and on student needs rather than by strict senority.''

Mods continue search for a gov candidate

Ian Donnis — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:12:15 +0000

It's easy to suspect that the Moderate Party's main motivation in fielding a gubernatorial candidate for 2010 is to get the five percent of the statewide vote necessary to maintain the party's official status. But Moderate Party chairman Ken Block says this isn't the case.

Greyhound Racing On The Way Out At Twin River

Scott MacKay — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:21:54 +0000

Greyhound Racing with Rhode Island dog owners appears on the way out at the Twin River gambling emporium in Lincoln under a settlement announced by the owners of Twin River and the dog owners.

Under terms of the proposed settlement, Twin River will pay the dog owners $2 million in an administrative expense claim. Also, if Twin River should successfully emerge from bankruptcy, the dog owners would get $3 million.

Fernandez hires campaign manager for AG bid

Ian Donnis — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:58:52 +0000

The Democratic primary for attorney general promises to be one of the more lively political races next year, with at least a three-way competition between Steve Archambault, former Providence city solicitor Joseph Fernandez, and state Representative Peter Kilmartin.

In the latest bit of related news, Fernandez has hired a campaign manager:

Wiley Center to Hold Fundraiser

Scott MacKay — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:42:22 +0000

The George Wiley Center, the community organizing and anti-poverty group, will hold its annual fundraising auction on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at the Pawtucket Armory. 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket. The event will run from 6 to 9 p.m. and features food, live entertainment from Irish Whistle and Phil Edmonds. and a silent auction. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at the door.

Reed: GOP has amnesia on Afghanistan

Ian Donnis — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:46:51 +0000

During a conference call with reporters this afternoon, US Senator Jack Reed offered a sharp rebuke to former vice president Dick Cheney's criticism of President Obama on Afghanistan.

Here's some of what Reed had to say:

The same politicians who are demanding that the current president stop dithering and do whatever his generals suggest forget that the previous administration ignored and under-resourced our commanders and soldiers in Afghanistan for nearly eight years. Indeed, Republicans have developed a troubling pattern of blaming President Obama for trying to fix all the problems they created.

read more

Education Secretary Duncan To Visit North Kingstown

Scott MacKay — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:11:27 +0000

Arne Duncan, President Obama's education secretary, is scheduled to visit North Kingstown High School on Nov. 2 as part of a nationwide tour of schools. Duncan, a former Harvard basketball player

Tonight: WRNI in Newport, Lawless celebrated

Ian Donnis — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:28:33 +0000

As part of WRNI's One Square Mile series of in-depth local reporting on Newport, the station will be hosting a town meeting this evening on that city's past and future. Details here.

As coincidence has it, a One Square Mile story by yours truly -- about how Newport has three prominent female elected officials -- is set to air tomorrow morning. One of my sources for the piece, former Brown University professor Jennifer Lawless, is being celebrated tonight by the Women's Fund of Rhode Island.

Getting to know Rory Smith

Ian Donnis — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:17:40 +0000

The e-mailed news release from Rory Smith that arrived shortly after noon today indicated he was filing a notice of organization with the state Board of Elections. In a subsequent interview, Smith made clear that he is committed to running as a Republican in next year's gubernatorial race.

Since he's a fresh face on the political scene, On Politics decided to seek more information about him.

Rory Smith takes step toward gov run

Ian Donnis — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:35:08 +0000

After months in which Rhode Island has lacked even a perceptible Republican gubernatorial candidate for next year, Rory Smith has inched closer:

Providence - Today Rory Smith filed a "Notice of Organization" with the Rhode Island Board of Elections, forming a candidate committee in order to begin the process of organizing a campaign for Governor.

read more

Moderate Party announces 17 town committees

Ian Donnis — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:21:27 +0000

Here's a further sign that the Moderate Party means to seriously compete in next year's election cycle:

Warwick, RI - The Moderate Party of Rhode Island (MPRI) announces their continued success in outreach to voters across the state with the formation of 17 Moderate Party Town Committees.

read more

Court spokesman: Williams hopes to have his say

Ian Donnis — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:02:27 +0000

Frank J. Williams, whose departure from the Rhode Island Supreme Court was announced today, will never be mistaken for a shrinking violet. His hard-charging persona was evident throughout his eight-year tenure as chief justice, including when, in the view of some, he helped usher in the ouster of former Ethics Commission director Martin Healey.

Williams to leave Supreme Court

Ian Donnis — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:53:55 +0000

This just in:

October 20, 2009: Rhode Island Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul A. Suttell today accepted the decision by retired Chief Justice Frank J. Williams to step down from his judicial responsibilities as a retired justice of the Supreme Court.

read more

Democrats to hold healthcare event tomorrow

Ian Donnis — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:16:06 +0000

The DNC-sponsored Organizing for America has a healthcare event planned tomorow in Providence, as part of a national effort:

WRNI Newport Series: Navy Ships Left, City Moved On

Scott MacKay — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:31:42 +0000

Before Newport was a tourist Mecca, it was a Navy Town.

Since the Revolutionary War, the Navy defined Newport. The city was the Navy’s birthplace, the home of the first naval academy, site of the Naval War College, home port to the Atlantic Fleet.

The Navy was in Newport’s veins, the lifeblood of its economy.

Filing deadline looms for Dennigan's House seat

Ian Donnis — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:20:10 +0000

UPDATE: No additional candidates.

The special election to succeed Dennigan is slated for December 29. Here are excerpts from a release by Secretary of State Ralph Mollis:

Filing for the House District 62 race are Democrat Mary Duffy Messier of Pawtucket, independents Brian Cinq-Mars of Pawtucket and Paul Dinsmore of East Providence, who challenged Dennigan as a Republican in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008; and Republican Thomas Clupny of East Providence.

read more

Cicilline expects legislature to preserve excise tax revenue

Ian Donnis — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:48:01 +0000

The General Assembly will not approve Governor Carcieri's plan to save $32 million by withholding fourth-quarter car tax revenue from cities and towns. That's the view of Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline (latest mayoral campaign Web site here), who expressed it during a taping this morning of WPRI/WNAC-TV's Newsmakers.

Carcieri To Speak to RIPEC and Massachusetts Anti-Gay Marriage Group Tonight

Scott MacKay — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:13:51 +0000

Governor Donald Carcieri will be the first speaker at tonight's annual Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council dinner in Providence, but he won't be hanging around for the meal.

Instead, Carcieri will bolt from the RIPEC dinner to be the keynote speaker at the Massachusetts Family Institute's Annual Fundraising Banquet. The Massachusetts Family Institute is a group that lobbies against gay rights and gay marriage.

Who will be the jobs governor?

Ian Donnis — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:49:54 +0000

While the casino-question stances of the candidates for 2010 have started to attract attention, it's been pretty quiet concerning a more central issue -- Rhode Island's perennial need for more and better jobs.

Arthur Martone Leaves As ProJo Sports Editor

Scott MacKay — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:07:23 +0000

Arthur Martone, the Providence Journal's well-respected longtime sports editor, is leaving the newspaper to take a job at Comcast New England, the cable channel that broadcasts Boston Celtics games and is expanding its sports web site coverage.

Cynthia Needham To Leave Journal State House Bureau

Scott MacKay — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:34:57 +0000

Reports from the ProJo's Fountain Street headquarters have Cynthia Needham, one of the newspaper's three State House reporters, moving on to a new assignment in the newsroom. Needham, a stylish writer, gained a reputation as a hard-working and smart reporter during her tenure at the Capitol. No word yet on who will replace her

Rhode Island Not Putting Transportation Money to Work As Rapidly As Other States

Scott MacKay — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:32:07 +0000

Rhode Island clearly needs more jobs and the federal stimulus package was supposed to bring millions in transportation jobs. But WRNI's Scott MacKay finds that the state is not putting the money to work as fast as some other states.

Chafee in the public eye

Ian Donnis — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:06:41 +0000

Independent gubernatorial candidate Lincoln Chafee will continue a recent media blitz with an appearance this evening on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher (10 pm).

Is there a certain risk with so much early media exposure for a candidate who sometimes makes unexpected and perhaps impolitic statements?

Judge strikes down charter provision in Central Falls

Ian Donnis — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:19:40 +0000

US District Court Judge William Smith has struck down the Central Falls ballot provision that kept would-be mayoral candidate Hipolito Fontes from the ballot.

Smith ruled in response to a lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Rhode Island. He ruled that the charter provision, in which voters could only sign one nomination paper per office, was unconstitutional.

Ted Kennedy's Last Words Touch on Rhode Island, Son

Scott MacKay — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:21:48 +0000

INTRO: The late Ted Kennedy’s revealing memoir, True Compass, touches on Rhode Island politics and even a local prep school. WRNI political analyst Scott MacKay discovers that Kennedy ties to Rhode Island went way beyond his son, Congressman Patrick Kennedy.

Hummel's back in the game

Ian Donnis — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:37:17 +0000

Former ABC6 reporter Jim Hummel, who left the station last year because he didn't like its direction, has a new gig with WPRO that bears watching as a convergence of traditional reporting and Web-based video with radio support:

Slater Win Impressive

Scott MacKay — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:32:01 +0000

Democrat Scott A. Slater posted an impressive win for the seat held by his late father, Tom Slater, in Providence's West End, South Elmwood and Reservoir Triangle.

The 34-year old Slater cruised to victory over six other candidates in a crowded Democratic primary. He captured nearly 50 percent of the vote in the district with 498 vote. His closest challenger was John Kelly, president of Meeting Street School, who had a not-so-impressive 256.

House, Senate Close to Agreement on banning indoor prostitution

Scott MacKay — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:42:58 +0000

Legal indoor prostitution is about to become history in Rhode Island when the General Assembly meets later this month.

Both General Assembly chambers have aoproved legislation banning indoor prostitution, but the House version contains stiffer penalties. Under the House bill, even first-time offenders would be subject to hail time. The Senate version treated a first conviction as a civil penalty with a $100 fine.

Council 94 approves deal with the state

Ian Donnis — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:36:48 +0000

UPDATE: Comment from Carcieri.

An excerpt:

Primaries today in Providence, Woonsocket

Ian Donnis — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:24:28 +0000

Voters go to the polls today to narrow the field for mayor of Woonsocket, and to pick the Democrat running to succeed the late state Representative Thomas Slater.

At Rhode Island's Future, Matt Jerzyk predicts a win by Scott Slater:

Fox Has Edge At Starting Line Of Speaker Contest

Scott MacKay — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:14:11 +0000

The race to succeed Rhode Island House Speaker William Murphy is underway. That means State House Democrats will be deciding who will take over one of the most powerful jobs in state government. But WRNI analyst Scott MacKay says that if the past is any guide, state voters will be pretty much in the dark until after the deal is done.

Tomorrow: Bill Lynch to take part in forum on same-sex marriage

Ian Donnis — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:58:58 +0000

From the RI Democratic Party:

PAWTUCKET - Rhode Island Democratic Party Chairman Bill Lynch will participate in a panel discussion tomorrow focusing on the future of same-sex marriage in Rhode Island.

read more

State Debt: The Hidden Budget Issue

Scott MacKay — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:12:21 +0000

Tom Sgouros has a very smart essay about the issue of Rhode Island's balooning state debt, which nobody in the State House seems to want to address.

The structural deficit is just the fancy term for the deficit next year (and the years after). It's an acknowledgement that revenues and expenses do not match, despite what we may have done or not done to patch it together for the current year.

read more

Chafee = the love gov?

Ian Donnis — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:51:41 +0000

Independent gubernatorial candidate Lincoln Chafee may be prone to going off-message, but he's already hammering the message for his campaign next year: he's going to bring people together.

RI Young Democrats sponsor Same-Sex Marriage Discussion

Scott MacKay — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:00:55 +0000

The Rhode Island Young Democrats , the Roger Williams University Democratic Law Students Association, and the RWU LGBT Alliance will combine to host a panel discussion on the ``Future of Same-Sex Marriage in Rhode Island'' on Oct. 6 at the Cable Car Cinema at 204 South Main Street in Providence. The event begins with a reception at 5:30 and a discussion at 7 p.m.

Carcieri Appoints Two lawyers, Doctor to JNC

Scott MacKay — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:55:02 +0000

Governor Carcieri has appointed a Warwick doctor, a West Warwick lawyer and a Providence lawyer to the state Judicial Nominating Commission, which vets candidates for state judgeships.

Chafee announces selection of Tad Devine media firm

Ian Donnis — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:18:35 +0000

Providence native-turned-DC bigfoot Tad Devine gets the nod from Lincoln Chafee. Chafee, btw, is slated to appear this evening (with yours truly) on RI-PBS' A Lively Experiment and this weekend on WPRI/WNAC-TV's Newsmakers.

Devine is also representing Massachusetts Treasurer Tim Cahill, who's running for governor as an independent.

Bad news for Cicilline in new Brown poll

Ian Donnis — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:13:13 +0000

A new poll by Brown University's Taubman Center for Public Policy (not yet online) has some bad indicators for Providence Mayor David Cicilline.

Cicilline gets a solid 40.6 percent approval rating in the poll, which was based on a citywide random sample of 480 registered Providence voters.

Caprio Still Leads in Fundraising As Third Quarter Closes

Scott MacKay — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:21:49 +0000

The Rhode Island gubernatorial election is more than a year away, but the three top candidates have been aggressively raising money. Once again in the year's third quarter, General Treasurer Frank Caprio leads the pack.

Report: Murphy announces departure, endorses Fox

Ian Donnis — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:13:13 +0000

UPDATE II: MURPHY CONFIRMS HE'S LEAVING.

UPDATE: MURPHY DECLINES COMMENT.

In an e-mail to WRNI, Murphy had this to say:

Health Department local approves state agreement

Ian Donnis — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:58:49 +0000

In what is believed to be the first vote approving a lingering debt-reduction agreement with the state, a union representing 200 Department of Health workers has supported the pact.

The union, a unit of the National Education Association, approved the agreement on a 128-to-35 margin, says Patrick Crowley, the NEA's assistant executive director. The unit represents scientists, inspectors, and other Health Department workers.

Trillo Out of Governor Race in 2010

Scott MacKay — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:40:38 +0000

Rep. Joseph Trillo, the firery Warwick Republican, says he is unlikely to run for governor in 2010. Trillo raised no money in the last quarter, he said in an interview.

``I'm almost absolutely 100 precent sure I'm not running,'' said Trillo. He does plan to run for relection to his Houseseat from Warwick. Trillo is one of six members of the GOP in the House.

Annual Latino PAC event tomorrow

Ian Donnis — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:07:16 +0000

Arturo Vargas, executive director of the DC-based National Association of Latino Elected Officials, is the headliner tomorrow for the Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee's annual event.

The gathering is slated to run from 6-9 at Providence Piers, 200 Allens Avenue.

Second debate scheduled for District 10 candidates

Ian Donnis — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:24:21 +0000

In addition to a debate scheduled for tonight (5:30-7:30 pm, 362 Dexter St., Providence), there's another chance for voters to acquaint themselves with the field of candidates running to replace the late state Representative Tom Slater:

Regional RNC meeting this weekend in Newport

Ian Donnis — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:23:17 +0000

With the hope of making mid-term gains and putting their party on a stronger track, Republicans plan to gather in Newport this weekend for a regional meeting of the Republican National Committee. Here's how the party describes the event ($125 to attend), October 2, 3, and 4 at the Marriott Hotel.

Lynch gets ready for 2010

Ian Donnis — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:55:52 +0000

The onset of the 2010 gubernatorial campaign -- seen by some as independent Linc Chafee's to lose -- is coming into increasingly clear view.

General Treasurer Frank Caprio is in no rush to make formal his intentions, remaining focused instead on raising a boatload of money. Meanwhile, Attorney General Patrick Lynch's plans have been clear for some time. And he's now staffed up with an experienced campaign manager:

Clean Water Action To Hold Electoberfest Event

Scott MacKay — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:45:00 +0000

The environmental group Clean Water Action is holding an `Electoberfest' fund-raiser at the Hot Club in Providence on Thursday, Oct. 1, between 6 and 9 p.m. Every election cycle, Clean Water Action evaluates candidates based on their voting records and responses to questionnaires.

Central Falls Ballot Law Unfair; Federal Court Sets Hearing Date

Scott MacKay — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:36:14 +0000

Mayor Charles Moreau of Central Falls is running for a fourth term, and working hard to ensure that he has no opposition. Earlier this month the local board of canvassers voted unanimously to disqualify his only opponent. But the local chapter of the ACLU is challenging the decision in federal court.

O'Connell: Landfill woes reveal bigger oversight problem

Ian Donnis — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:39:51 +0000

Michael O'Connell, the man credited with exposing mind-boggling problems at the state Central Landfill in Johnston, says the situation is partially due to the lack of built-in oversight for the state's quasi-public agencies. There are 18 such agencies, according to the Carcieri administration.

Council 94 indicates willingess to deal*

Ian Donnis — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:00:45 +0000

*With a caveat.

This just in, from Council 94:

North Providence, RI-AFSCME Council 94 is willing to accept Governor Carcieri's proposal if the administration removes the worker relocation provision. We will recommend the proposal to our membership and urge them to agree to work eight days without pay in this budget year, four next year and to accept a six-month delay in a promised 3-percent raise in July, 2010.

read more

Drinking Liberally to host gov candidates

Ian Donnis — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:04:08 +0000

The more publicly active phase of the 2010 gubernatorial race remains months away, but Rhode Islanders will soon have a chance to assess the three leading candidates in the casual confines of the Wild Colonial pub in Providence.

Rep. Kennedy Not Commenting On Report He Lobbied Gov. Patrick on Behalf Of Paul Kirk

Scott MacKay — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:32:16 +0000

The death of Sen. Ted Kennedy means that for the first time in nearly 47 years, the Senate seat he held will change hands.

The interim successor is likely to be Paul G. Kirk Jr., of Marstons Mills, Mass. one of Ted Kennedy's closest advisers and a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

RI State Employee Unions Reject Proposed Pact

Scott MacKay — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:04:41 +0000

Leaders of the unions representing state employees have rejected by a wide margin a proposed contract settlement that would have meant concessions from state workers in exchange for a no-layoff guarantee until June, 2011.

The rejection came after nearly two weeks of talks between Carcieri Administration officials and leaders of Council 94 of AFSCME, the largest state employee union. Council 94 has informedthe Carcieri Administration and has requested further negotiations.

Lynch follows Carcieri in expressing outrage on landfill

Ian Donnis — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:57:13 +0000

This just in from Attorney General Patrick Lynch, following some similar statements earlier by Governor Carcieri about the landfill:

Union Leaders To Recommend Approval of Pact

Scott MacKay — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:06:34 +0000

The leaders of the state's largest employee union are recommending that other unions and their members accept a contract agreement with Governor Carcieri's administration that contains pay concessions for state workers in return for a no-layoff guarantee until June, 2011.

CNN's John King revisits Rhode Island

Ian Donnis — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:15:21 +0000

CNN stalwart John King, a URI grad who once manned the 4 am-to-noon shift for the Dorrance Street office of The Associated Press, returned to the Ocean State for some issue-oriented chat with RPs (regular people) in this video.

Southgate To Take Over Providence Law Department

Scott MacKay — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:42:30 +0000

Adriene Southgate, the current Providence deputy city solicitor, will move up to the head the city's law department, Mayor David Cicilline announced today.

Southgate joined the Cicilline Administration in 2003 and has been the main legal counsel for city boards and commissions. Previous to working for the city, Southgate was general counsel to the R.I. Public Utilities Commission and chief legal counsel for the R.I. Department of Environmental Management.

Rep. Patrick Kennedy To Speak on Health Care

Scott MacKay — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:24:41 +0000

Rep. Patrick Kennedy will speak at a health care overhaul forum on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 9 a.m. at the Providence Marriott on Orms Street. The forum is sponsored by AARP and the Rhode Island Nurses Association.

Kennedy is the lone member of the state's four-member Washington delegation who has yet to hold a health care forum with constituents. He had one scheduled for last month, but it was cancelled due to the death of his father U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

RI Mod Party hires executive director

Ian Donnis — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:16:33 +0000

In a further sign that the Moderate Party of Rhode Island means to be taken seriously, it has hired as its executive director the person who briefly coordinated press for Elizabeth Dennigan's congressional campaign:

URI Needs Support From State, Alums

Scott MacKay — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:50:18 +0000

Virtually every analysis of Rhode Island's foundering economy points to the state's poorly-educated, low-skill workforce. So what has the state done about it? Well, there has been a steady decline in support for the University of Rhode Island, the state's flagship public research university.

A Coakley Win Would Give Rhode Island A Dubious Distinction in Women's Politics

Scott MacKay — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:56:39 +0000

A public opinion survey released yesterday shows Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley with a big lead in the race to succeed the late Ted Kennedy as Massachusetts U.S. Senator. The poll found that among potential Democratic primary candidates, Coakley had 47 percent, U.S. Rep. Mike Capuano was at 9 percent and U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch (who has since pulled out) at 6 percent. the poll of 500 Massachusetts registered voters has an error margin of about 4 percent. The poll was conducted between Sept. 12 and 15.

Unemployment tops 12 percent in five states

Ian Donnis — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:00:28 +0000

Rhode Island, as we know, has its own unique challenges when it comes to economic development. The Ocean State nonetheless has some distinguished company when it comes to the latest joblessness figures.

From CNN:

California, Nevada and Rhode Island each hit record-high rates, the Labor Department said.

read more

George Nee on the field for 2010

Ian Donnis — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:42:53 +0000

George Nee, recently elevated as president of the RI AFL-CIO, plans to maintain a high-profile in leading the union and serving as its lobbyist. As if to prove the point, he was the guest today during a taping of WPRI/WNAC-TV's Newsmakers.

Kennedy to hold $500 Clambake Fund Raiser at His Home

Scott MacKay — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:25:47 +0000

Rep. Patrick Kennedy, wasting no time filling his campaign coffers, is holding a $500 per person clambake fundraiser at his Portsmouth home on Saturday, Sept. 26.

Kennedy Wins Approval of Help for At-Risk Children

Scott MacKay — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:36:52 +0000

Washington, DC — The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the most sweeping college affordability and early-education bill in history, a bill that includes Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy’s (D-RI) legislation to ensure that states implement high-quality early education programs and services for at-risk children who have experienced abuse or neglect, parental substance abuse or mental health, or have been exposed to violence or homelessness. Kennedy’s legislation was included in H.R.

RI College Republicans to Hold Fundraiser

Scott MacKay — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:35:18 +0000

Rhode Island College Republicans are holding their fall fundraiser on Saturday (Sept. 19) at Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian's campaign headquarters at 1800 Post Road in Warwick. Suggested donation: $50 per person. Details are at www.crfi.org

R.I. Assembly To Return Next Month

Scott MacKay — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:18:11 +0000

The Rhode Island House and Senate will return to the State for a rare off-season session on October 28 and 29, House Speaker William Murphy and Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed announced today. The pre-Halloween session was announced today.

Council 94 again delays vote on proposed deal

Ian Donnis — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:16:25 +0000

This just in:

Contract Update: No Vote Today

Yesterday, Council 94 sent a counter proposal to the state and requested a meeting with the administration. Currently we have not had the meeting. Council 94 hopes negotiations with the state will continue soon and because we have no complete proposal or agreement, a vote will not be taken today.

Media: back and forward

Ian Donnis — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:38:08 +0000

Pure poetry from New York Times media columnist David Carr yesterday, describing Tom Moran's return to a politicial columnist job at the Star-Ledger in New Jersey, following time as a corporate flack:

Report: Menard to not seek reelection

Ian Donnis — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:06:49 +0000

Citing unspecified sources, Matt Jerzyk is reporting at Rhode Island's Future that Woonsocket Mayor Susan Menard will not seek reelection. If Menard returns our call, we'll post additional details.

Update #4 by Matt: It's finally over. The speculation that Mayor Susan Menard would NOT run for re-election has now ended. She is, in fact, not running. The final runoff will likely pit former Democratic State Representative Todd Brien versus Republican City Council chair Leo Fontaine.

Fontaine's Web site can be found here.

Hodgkin rejoins the Carcieri administration

Ian Donnis — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:13:53 +0000

As Scott predicted would be the case on September 9, Andy Hodgkin gets the nod as Governor Carcieri's latest chief of staff:

Hodgkin left the Carcieri Administration in 2007 to start his own law firm with a focus on state and federal regulatory issues and private business transactions.

read more

Council 94 delays consideration of proposed agreement

Ian Donnis — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:03:05 +0000

This just in from Council 94. Details were not immediately available on the union's specific concerns:

North Providence, RI – Today, Rhode Island Council 94, American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO, announced that the State Conference Board Meeting, originally scheduled for Monday, September 14th at noon has been rescheduled for Tuesday, September 15th, 3:00 P.M., at 1179 Charles Street, North Providence.

read more

The Myth of Organized Labor's Clout in Rhode Island

Scott MacKay — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:57:12 +0000

Governor Donald Carcieri has been locked in another dispute with unionized state employees. The latest skirmish involved his effort to shut down state government to close a budget gap. Carcieri has blasted union leaders for resisting his plan, accusing them of maintaining what he calls "their stranglehold on the citizens of this state."

Council 94 Chief "Very Optimistic" On Agreement

Ian Donnis — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:08:02 +0000

J. Michael Downey, president of ASFCME's Council 94, the largest state workers' union, expects to receive a written agreement from the Carcieri administration on Monday. Downey says he's "very optimistic" that the pact will be approved by Council 94's membership during a subsequent vote, perhaps on September 25.

Unions, Administration Close On Deal To Avoid Shutdown Days

Ian Donnis — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:13:37 +0000

WRNI has learned that leaders of state public employee unions and the Carcieri administration are close to a tentative deal that would avert the governor's 12 planned shutdown days and layoffs of state workers.

Governor Carcieri, Unions Still Talking In Attempt to Avert Shutdown

Scott MacKay — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:58:19 +0000

Representatives of Governor Carcieri's administration and leaders of state employee unions have been huddling behind closed doors for the past two days in an effort to avert a legal showdown at the Rhode Island Supreme Court over the governor's plan to shutdown state government for 12 days to save state money.

A source close to the negotiations says the two sides are close, but that no tentative agreement has been reached. Both sides are seeking to avert a State Supreme Court hearing scheduled for tomorrow.

Moe Green takes the Grover Norquist pledge

Ian Donnis — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:13:54 +0000

The October 6 special election for the late Tom Slater's House seat is shaping up as a very interesting race. We've got a son of the former rep (Scott Slater); a well-financed Democrat challenger (Meeting Street School CEO John Kelly); a veritable cast of thousands, including two Latinas, among the other Democratic and independent challengers, and a potentially strong Republican in the form of longtime Providence police Detective Maurice "Moe" Green.

Neronha approved as U.S. Attorney By Senate Judiciary

Scott MacKay — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:34:52 +0000

Peter Neronha's bid to become U.S. attorney moved an important step closer with approval of his nomination by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. He was approved without objection.

Neronha, a career prosecutor, would succeed Robert Corrente, a Republican, as Rhode Island's top federal prosecutor. Neronha was nominated for the position by Rhode Island U.S. senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, who is a member of the Judiciary Committee.

Neronha's nomination now moves to the full Senate, where he is expected to be confirmed.

Nee Cruises To Victory for Top AFL_CIO Post

Scott MacKay — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:09:09 +0000

George Nee of Cranston, a veteran union official who began his career organizing agricultural workers in the fields of California with legendary labor activist Cesar Chavez, was resoundingly elected the new president of the Rhode Island AFL_CIO last night at the labor organization's convention at the Rhode Island Convention Center.

Andy Hodgkin Headed Back To Carcieri Office?

Scott MacKay — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:46:16 +0000

Now that Brian Stern, Governor Carcieri's chief of staff, has been approved unanimously as a Superior Court judge, who will take Stern's job at the State House as the governor's top staffer? While there has been much speculation at the State House, Carcieri aides have been mum on the issue. But the inside betting is on Andy Hodgkin returning as Stern's replacement. Hodgkin served as executive legal counsel to Carcieri from 2001 to 2007 and is now practicing law at Brown, Rudnick in Providence.

Chief Justice Suttell Recuses From Union Shutdown Case

Scott MacKay — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:22:30 +0000

Rhode Island Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Suttell said today he will recuse himself from proceedings scheduled for Friday in the dispute between state employee unions and Governor Carcieri over the governor's plan to shut down state government for a dozen days to save money.

Fernandez to Leave Solicitor's Post

Ian Donnis — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:33:31 +0000

A few odds and ends at mid-week:

UPDATE II: Fernandez has a statement:

Dear Friends,

I wanted to let you know personally that after seven years of service as City Solicitor of Providence, I have decided to leave my job to focus exclusively on evaluating a run for Attorney General of Rhode Island.

read more

Carcieri Administration, Unions in Negotiations to Head Off Shutdown

Scott MacKay — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:24:53 +0000

WRNI has learned that representatives of Gov. Donald Carcieri's administration and leaders of the unions represening Rhode Island's state employees are holding closed-door negotiations in an effort to head off a legal battle in the Rhode Island Supreme Court over the governor's plan to shutdown state government to save money.

Common Cause Annual Meeting Focuses on Newspapers

Scott MacKay — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:28:33 +0000

Common Cause of Rhode Island's annual meeting is set for Oct. 29 at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston. The good government group is sponsoring a discussion about the future of newspapers. Tom Heslin, executive editor of the Providence Journal, will speak and answer questions. Because Journal executives historically do not speak to local media, the meeting may provide a good opportunity to question Mr. Heslin about the future of the Journal in an era of personnel and news hole shrinkage and the opportunity that newspapers have on the web.

Carcieri Files Legal Response On Shutdown Issue

Scott MacKay — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:18:33 +0000

Governor Carcieri’s administration today filed legal arguments with the Rhode Island Supreme Court supporting his right to shut down state government for 12 days to save money. State Employee unions opposing the shutdown have until the close of business tomorrow to file their legal responses.
Carcieri’s plan to shutdown state government for a dozen days to help close a $68 million budget deficit was thwarted last week by high court Associate Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg until the full court had time to consider the matter.

Eleven District 10 Candidates Clear Next Rung

Ian Donnis — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:03:28 +0000

Eleven of the 12 initial candidates seeking to succeed the late Representative Tom Slater have turned in the required signatures. The only one not to do so was Paul Doughty, head of the Providence firefighters' union.

The Meaning of Joe Kennedy's No-Go

Ian Donnis — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:30:10 +0000

Massachusetts AG Martha Coakley is being awarded early frontrunner status in the race to suceed Ted Kennedy, now that Joe Kennedy has taken himself out.

Dan Kennedy:

RI's Unemployment Blues -- and Some Suggestions

Ian Donnis — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:10:52 +0000

Longtime residents are familiar with the cyclical nature of Rhode Island's problems -- the sense that a state with many wonderful things and with such great promise too often seems incapable of moving forward. It's a topic I take up today in a Boston Globe op-ed:

Gov-union Battles Bookend the Carcieri Years

Ian Donnis — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 16:05:13 +0000

Former ProJo scribe Mark Arsenault has a good overview in the Boston Globe of the latest clash between Governor Carcieri and organized labor, accurately summing up the broader state of affairs in his first two paragraphs:

More than six years ago, Rhode Island’s Republican governor, Donald L. Carcieri, entered his office from the world of big business, calling himself “a friend of labor.’’

read more

Unions, Carcieri In Joust Limned By Politics

Scott MacKay — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:00:03 +0000

And so it goes between Governor Don Carcieri and the state employee unions. Carcieri believes that state employees and communities should bear the brunt of the state's economic problems and the unions believe they have a governor they can't negotiate with in good faith. Every time the unions make a deal with Carcieri, he wants to change it a few months later to take away some benefits from them.

Jabour Likely To Pursue Reelection, Not AG

Ian Donnis — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:20:58 +0000

With the field shaping up in next year's fight for attorney general, state Senator Paul Jabour (D-Providence) says he's leaning toward seeking reelection.

Jabour, long considered a possible AG candidate, says he isn't ruling out a possible run. But his present district in Providence provides its share of challenges, Jabour says, and he's interested in gaining seniority in the Senate.

Labor Secretary Solis to Visit Rhode Island Sept. 8

Scott MacKay — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:19:54 +0000

U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis will visit a Job Corps center in Exeter during a vist on Sept. 8 with Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed. Solis will also in an on-line back-to-school discussion being coordinated by the Obama Administration the same day.

Influential South Side Democrats Endorse Slater

Scott MacKay — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:10:06 +0000

State Sen. Juan Pichardo and state representatives Anastasia Williams, Grace Diaz and Joseph Almeida, Democrats all, have endorsed the candidacy of Scott Slater for the state House seat in District 10 on Providence's South Side. Slater, a Democrat, is seeking the seat held by his father, Thomas Slater, who died August 10 after a long battle with cancer.

Pichardo represents the same consttituents who live in District 10 and Diaz, Almedia and Williams represent districts that border District 10.

Is Carcieri Taking Credit For Federal Law Enforcement Money?

Scott MacKay — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:10:06 +0000

Governor Don Carcieri announced today that he will hold a news conference at 1 p.m. tomorrow to announce a $5.7 million law-enforcement grant the state will receive due to the federal stimulus program, the official name of which is the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Roberts Seeks Explanation On No-bid State Deal

Ian Donnis — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:18:54 +0000

Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts is calling on the Carcieri administration to better explain its dealings with the Lucas Group, the entity that received $370,000 for its efforts related to the state's Global Medicaid Waiver.

Nothing to Patrick Kennedy Mass. Senate Speculation

Scott MacKay — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:45:20 +0000

There has been speculation in both national and local media reports that Rhode Island U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy will move to Massachusetts and run for his late father's Senate seat. These reports were always fairly preposterous. Officially, Kennedy spokeswoman Kerrie Bennett said today "there is no truth'' to such speculation.

Ucci To Undergo Treatment For Cancer

Ian Donnis — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:59:41 +0000

The ProJo's Steve Peoples has the details on how Representative Stephen Ucci of Johnston -- one of the aspirants, along with Majority Leader Gordon Fox, and Representative Gregory Schadone of North Providence, to succeed Speaker William Murphy -- will probably miss the resumption of the House session:

Whitehouse Stays on the Torture Case

Ian Donnis — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:40:53 +0000

US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse is maintaining a high profile in calling for members of the past presidential administration to be held accountable for US-sanctioned torture.

Via Talking Points Memo:

Oh Those Wacky R.I. Lawyers

Scott MacKay — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:45:27 +0000

Could this be an only-in-Rhode Island? At this year's Rhode Island Bar Association Annual Meeting, members were asked to vote for their favorite law-related movies. Here are the results, courtesy of the Rhode Island Bar Journal...

Rep. Kennedy Cancels Public Events This Week

Scott MacKay — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:41:30 +0000

In the aftermath of his father's death Congressman Patrick Kennedy has canceled public events this week, including a health care forum he had planned for Sept. 3. Kennedy is spending time with his family.

He plans on returning to work after Labor Day.

Report: former Ch. 6 owner faces bankruptcy

Ian Donnis — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:20:59 +0000

WLNE-TV (Channel 6) is the traditional ratings laggard among local television news stations -- a situation not helped by how its former owner, Calfornia-based Freedom Communications didn't exactly pour money into its broadcast division.

Rep. Patrick Kennedy Gives Eloquent Remarks at Father's Funeral

Scott MacKay — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 06:19:40 +0000

After a summer of discontent, Rep. Patrick Kennedy rose to the occasion yesterday with a heartfelt, intensely personal and eloquent remembrance at the funeral of his father, Sen. Edward Kennedy.

Rep. Patrick Kennedy to Deliver Tribute at Father's Funeral Tomorrow

Scott MacKay — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:37:45 +0000

U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy will deliver a tribute to his father, the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, at the senator's funeral tomorrow. Rep. Kennedy and his brother, Edward M. 'Teddy' Kennedy Jr., will give tributes to their father just before President Obama delivers his eulogy for the senator. Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley will preside at the funeral, which will also include music by Yo-Yo Ma and the singing of 'Ave Maria' by Susan Graham of the Metropolitan Opera. The service will end with the singing of 'America the Beautiful'.

Doughty declares for Slater's seat

Ian Donnis — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:21:24 +0000

UPDATE: See the bottom of this post, for the list of declared candidates.

Twelve candidates -- Eight Democrats, three independents, and one Republican -- have declared as candidates for the House seat formerly held by Tom Slater.

Can The Moderates Have An Impact??

Scott MacKay — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:51:47 +0000

Elbowing into the scrum of Rhode Island politics comes the Moderate Party, which has become the state’s official third party. After gathering more than 34,000 signatures and a trip to federal court, the Moderates are poised to try to win legislative seats and run a candidate for governor who can garner at least 5 percent, the threshold needed to make the party’s status permanent.

Cicilline ally declares for Slater's House seat

Ian Donnis — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:37:12 +0000

John M. Kelly -- an ally of Provicence Mayor David N. Cicilline who had been planning to run for mayor if Cicilline moved on next year -- has declared his candidacy for the House seat formerly held by the late Tom Slater.

Take me out to the old TweetUp

Ian Donnis — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:16:18 +0000

Hey, it's not like I'm immune to the usefulness of Twitter -- and we political reporters certainly dig our baseball -- but a TweetUp? (h/t Boston Dirt Dogs).

The PawSox are having their first on September 3.

Moderate Party May Need Another Trip To Court

Scott MacKay — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:24:42 +0000

If the newly certified Moderate Party finds a candidate willing to run for the Providence House seat vacated by the recent death of Democrat Tom Slater, it will party take the party back to court.

GOP candidate emerges for Slater's seat

Ian Donnis — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:26:17 +0000

Scott Slater has an announced Republican opponent.

From longtime Providence GOP activist Dave Talan:

Maurice "Mo" Green, from 127 Rutherglen Ave., has announced his candidacy, as a Republican, for State Representative in District 10, in the special election on November 10 to replace the late Rep. Thomas Slater. Candidates are filing to run tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday at Providence City Hall.

read more

Activist buys Rhode Island's Future blog

Ian Donnis — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:04:29 +0000

Continuing a trend in which someone blogs increasingly frequently at Rhode Island's Future before buying it, Brian Hull has been identified as the new owner of the liberal blog.

Hull's purchase brings to a close the ownership of the blog by union activist Patrick Crowley, who had bought it from founder Matthew Jerzyk late last year.

From the new owner's news release:

Patrick Lynch on Kennedy's Obama endorsement

Ian Donnis — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:58:31 +0000

Back in January 2008, Ted Kennedy's coveted endorsement provided an important surge for Barack Obama during his presidential primary campaign against Hillary Clinton.

Sen. Edward Kennedy's Legacy

Scott MacKay — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 07:47:46 +0000

F. Scott Fitzgerald famously said that there are no second acts in American life.
He never met Ted Kennedy.
Death has silenced the booming baritone of American liberalism, but his legacy will live on for as long as the American Republic endures.
Kennedy spent nearly his entire adult life representing Massachusetts in the United States Senate, but his reach expanded far beyond New England. From health care to voting rights to immigration reform to women's rights, Kennedy was the catalyst for legislation that affected virtually every man, woman, and child in the nation.

Flanders Says He Is Not a Candidate for Governor

Scott MacKay — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:20:41 +0000

There has been lots of buzz around a possible candidacy for governor by former Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice Robert Flanders, a Republican. Flanders acknowledges that people in both the Republican and newly-formed Moderate Party have mentioned that he run.

Some of the blog news fit to post

Ian Donnis — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:39:43 +0000

The new owner of Rhode Island's Future blog will be unveiled tomorrow evening during the August meeting of Drinking Liberally (the group meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month, 8 pm, at the Wild Colonial in Providence).

Like its conservative counterpart, Anchor Rising, Rhode Island's Future has become a meaningful part of the local mediascape, breaking news and exposing views not found elsewhere.

Critics turn fire on the General Assembly

Ian Donnis — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:45:28 +0000

Governor Carcieri was the face yesterday of plans to cut about $68 million from the state budget -- and municipal leaders are up in arms about how their own communities may be impacted by a proposed withholding of fourth-quarter car tax revenue.

Carcieri Seeks To Shutdown Rhode Island Government to Save $67 Million

Scott MacKay — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:16:17 +0000

Governor Donald Carcieri, in a thrust at the unions representing state employees, announced today that Rhode Island government will close down for 12 days between now and the end of next June to help close a budget gap approaching $70 million.

Carcieri blamed the continuing problems in the state's flagging economy for the move, saying he will also ask the General Assembly to cut motor vehicle tax payments to the state's 39 cities and towns by $32 million.

R.I.P., Mark Weed

Ian Donnis — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:42:03 +0000

The husband of Senate President M. Teresa Paiva-Weed was 50.

Health Care Forums Shouldn't Be Called Town Meetings

Scott MacKay — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 13:01:58 +0000

The iconic image of a New England Town Meeting was painted by Norman Rockwell in his World-War II-era Freedom of Speech illustration. The 1943 painting, inspired by a Vermont town meeting, shows a plainly-clothed working man speaking up while his white collar neighbors look on.

The working fellow delivered an unpopular opinion, but no one objected to his remarks.

PRA considering buying out Conley's Providence Piers

Ian Donnis — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:25:47 +0000

Thomas Deller, director of planning and development for the City of Providence, and executive director of the Providence Redevelopment Agency, confirms to WRNI that the PRA is considering buying the Patrick Conley-owned property known as Providence Piers.

Public option not a must for Whitehouse

Ian Donnis — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:32:24 +0000

US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse continues to express strong support for including a public option in the Democratic healthcare reform package. But the senator won't condition his support of healthcare reform on the inclusion of a public option.

Scott Slater announces for his father's seat

Ian Donnis — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:16:13 +0000

As expected, Scott Slater has announced plans to run for the House seat formerly held by his father, Thomas Slater, who died August 10 after a battle with cancer. A special election has been slated for November 10, with a primary October 6 if needed.

Avedisian keeps his non-LG options open

Ian Donnis — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:49:53 +0000

Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian says he's decided not to run for lieutenant governor next year. This kills a pet theory among those who believed the Republican would vie for LG as part of a tandem with someone he's called his political soulmate -- Lincoln Chafee.

Kennedy To Hold Rhode Island Health Care Forum

Scott MacKay — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:55:04 +0000

Representative Patrick Kennedy told WRNI that he plans to hold a public meeting on health care issues on September 3, at a location in his district to be announced. Kennedy, who has been spending time this summer with his father, Sen. Edward Kennedy, who is battling terminal brain cancer, also spoke about health care and his father in an interview with Scott MacKay scheduled to run Friday during Morning Edition. Kennedy is the lone member of the Rhode Island Washington, D.C. delegation who has not held a public meeting to discuss health care with constituents.

Ted Kennedy calls for short-term appointed successor

Ian Donnis — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:07:56 +0000

Here in Rhode Island, legislative Democrats have promoted an effort to have voters -- not the governor -- fill a US Senate vacancy. The topic is more relevant due to off-again, on-again chatter about whether Jack Reed will land the secretary of defense position, a possibility that Reed has continually rejected.

Kennedy To Mix Baseball, Politics at PawSox Fundraiser

Scott MacKay — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:28:44 +0000

Rep. Patrick Kennedy has a $50 per person fund-raiser at McCoy Stadium slated for Friday night's game between the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Rochester Red Wings. The $50 campaign donation includes a barbeque buffet with Kennedy before the game at 5 p.m. and tickets to the game, which starts at 7:05.

Reed to join Whitehouse at community dinner

Ian Donnis — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:58:33 +0000

As Rhode Islanders prepare to sound off on healthcare reform during US Representative Jim Langevin's Town Hall at Warwick City Hall this evening, word comes that US Senator Jack Reed will join his colleague, Sheldon Whitehouse, during a similar event at the West Warwick Senior Center tomorrow at 6 pm.

RI ACORN disavows town hall e-mail

Ian Donnis — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:39:18 +0000

Shannon McDonald, the lead organizer for Rhode Island ACORN, says an e-mail supposedly sent on behalf of the liberal advocacy group is a fake.

Here's the text of the e-mail, as provided yesterday by Colleen Conley, president of the Rhode Island Tea Party (the location for the meeting has been changed to Warwick City Hall):

Report: Move to RI rumored for Palin

Ian Donnis — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:51:25 +0000

With Steve Laffey having pulled out of the 2010 gubernatorial race, could Sarah Palin become the Ocean State's Great Republican Hope?

From the Anchorage Daily News:

LATEST BLATHER . . . The grapevine has finally decided what She Who was Governor plans to do with the rest of her life. And, of course, it's Ear's duty to report this most recent rumor. This one has Sarah and the family settling in Rhode Island (Huh?) with $7 million from her book and a contract with FOX. And, oh yes, she's never running for office again.

read more

R.I. Property Taxes Up 3.54 Percent

Scott MacKay — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:18:11 +0000

Rhode Island property taxes increased by an average of 3.5 percent in communities across the state, the state Department of Revenue said today. The property tax increases ranged from none in Little Compton to almost 13 percent in North Providence. The state study covered all communities except East Providence, where the fiscal year does not start until November.

Moderate Party Wins Ballot Access

Scott MacKay — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:47:39 +0000

Rhode Island now has an official third political party, the state Board of Elections ruled today.

The Moderate Party, which has been gathering signatures to qualify for the 2010 ballot, has presented in excess of 23,589 certified signatures of registered state voters. That means the Moderate Party can operate as an official party alongside the Republican and Democratic parties.

RI's Future blog sold; new owner not yet identified

Ian Donnis — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:02:00 +0000

UPDATE: Crowley speaks. Asked why he sold the blog, Crowley had this to say, via e-mail:

Mad Men, Woodstock, and ages of anxiety

Ian Donnis — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:59:35 +0000

Frank Rich, writing yesterday in the New York Times, put his finger on why AMC's terrific Mad Men is so trenchant:

What makes the show powerful is not nostalgia for an America that few want to bring back — where women were most valued as sex objects or subservient housewives, where blacks were, at best, second-class citizens, and where the hedonistic guzzling of gas and gin went unquestioned. Rather, it’s our identification with an America that, for all its serious differences with our own, shares our growing anxiety about the prospect of cataclysmic change.

read more

An ideological realignment in RI politics?

Ian Donnis — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:57:43 +0000

Writing in this week's Providence Phoenix, David Scharfenberg notes the apparent disparity between Rhode Islanders and their political leaders on issues such as choice and gay marriage. So, Scharfenberg wonders, is the legislature's progressive caucus a harbinger of things to come?

Patrick Kennedy on his father's fight

Ian Donnis — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:35:41 +0000

From the AP's Andy Miga, via the Page:

WASHINGTON — Rep. Patrick Kennedy says there's been an unexpected bright side to his father's grim battle with terminal brain cancer because the family has been able to spend more time with the stricken senator in recent months.

read more

The Globe on RI's prostitution debate

Ian Donnis — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:02:41 +0000

Today's Boston Globe looks at the local prostitution debate -- and how that and some other issues are affecting the outside view of Rhode Island:

Roberts' "Buy Local" campaign -- what's the impact?

Ian Donnis — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:59:26 +0000

On the surface, the idea of promoting local businesses -- as Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts has done with her "Buy Local" campaign -- is unimpeachable. Small business provides most of the jobs in Rhode Island, and trying to help on this front jibes with the LG's role in chairing a small business advisory committee.

Kennedy Children To Accept Award For Sen. Kennedy

Scott MacKay — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:29:14 +0000

Sen. Edward Kennedy's three children _ including Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy _ will be at the White House this afternoon to accept the presidential medal of freedom from President Obama on behalf of the ailing 77-year old senator, who is fighting brain cancer and mourning the death of his sister, Eunice Shriver.

Representative Kennedy, Edward "Ted" Kennedy Jr., and the senator's daughter Kara will accept the honor. Dr. Kiki Gershman Kennedy, Ted Kennedy Jr.'s wife, will also attend the ceremony.

R.I.P., Tom Slater, a voice for the vulnerable

Ian Donnis — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:11:13 +0000

Slater's fighting spirit got its due in this excellent June story by the ProJo's Cynthia Needham:

For 15 years, the unabashedly liberal representative from the West End of Providence has been a forceful voice for the poorest Rhode Islanders, winning the respect and affection of even his toughest political critics.

read more

Rhode Island Journalistic and African-American Community Mourns Carol Montrond

Scott MacKay — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:53:21 +0000

Journalists are known for taking note of the great and notorious, writing and airing elaborate obituaries of presidents and poets, knaves and novelists, entrepreneurs and raconteurs.

But last week, the Providence Journal newsroom, a passel of television and radio reporters and large slices of Rhode Island’s Cape Verdean and African-American communities paused to mourn a 41-year old woman who wasn’t famous or infamous.

Fox on prostitution, the Speaker's race, gay marriage + more

Ian Donnis — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:48:23 +0000

House Majority Leader Gordon Fox expects the General Assembly, following a return to action in September, to outlaw indoor prostitution.

During a taping this morning of WPRI/WNAC-TV's Newsmakers, Fox predicted the House and Senate will reconcile competing versions of the proposed ban with something closer to the legislation sponsored by Representative Joanne Giannini.

Langevin Beer and Baseball Time Draws More Than 200 in Providence

Scott MacKay — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:40:58 +0000

If the turnout at Jim Langevin's beer-barbecue-and-baseball fund-raiser time Thursday was any indication, he is taking his reelection campaign quite seriously.

Reed, Whitehouse Vote To Confirm Sotomayor

Scott MacKay — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:01:48 +0000

As expected, both Rhode Island Democratic U.S. Senators, Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse voted to confirm Sonia Sotomayor as the new U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Just 9 Republicans joined all the Senate Democrats in approving Sotomayor, who will become the natin's first Latina high court justice when she is sworn in tomorrow.

Lynch Exonerated In Republican Campaign Finance Complaint

Scott MacKay — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:21:29 +0000

The Republican Party's campaign finance complaint against Democratic Atty. Gen. Patrick Lynch turned out to be much ado about very little.

Lynch is organizing a campaign for a 2010 campaign for governor, so some of this partisan thrust-and-parry can be expected as the parade forms for the election. Campaigns start earlier than ever in this era of the permanent campaign, even though the filing deadline for state offices isn't until next June.

Reed Pays Tribute to Pell

Scott MacKay — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:04:30 +0000

For a telling tribute to Claiborne Pell's vison for helping American youths afford higher education, see Sen. Jack Reed's recent article on Forbes.Com.

Reed states: "A blue-blooded statesman who personified blue-collar values, Sen. Claiborne Pell understood that the human spirit, enlightened by the educaion, would invariably triumph over the forces of inhumanity."

New voices on WRNI's Political Roundtable

Ian Donnis — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:57:34 +0000

We're introducing a series of guest panelists on WRNI's Political Roundtable in the coming weeks. The guest tomorrow morning is Jenn Steinfeld, formerly the executive director of Marriage Equality Rhode Island, who joins myself, Scott, and URI's Maureen Moakley.

Movie On Democratic 2006 U.S. House Takeover to Feature at RI International Film Festival

Scott MacKay — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:42:31 +0000

Political cognoscenti will want to flock to the Cable Car theatre on 2:30 Saturday afternoon (August 8) for the movie Housequake, director Karen Price's documentary on how the Democratic campaign to takeover control of the U.S. House was forged. The documentary is being presented as part of the Rhode Island International Film Festival.

Should unions be illegal in RI?

Ian Donnis — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:56:15 +0000

The answer, according to Justin Katz of the conservative blog Anchor Rising, is "Yes."

"If You Could Wave a Magic Wand, What is the One Thing You Would Do?"

... to improve the state. This is what WPRO's Dan Yorke asked Justin, his in-studio guest for a second hour.

Justin responded that, for him, the elimination of unions would have top priority.

read more

Short takes: RISD's culture clash + more

Ian Donnis — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:17:19 +0000

Random notes and observations at mid-week:

-- On the surface at least, the departure of Hope Alswang from the RISD Museum seems like the most tangible evidence yet of a culture clash at the art school under the newish presidency of John Maeda.

Dennigan Announces Candidacy

Scott MacKay — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:33:41 +0000

East Providence state Rep. Betsy Dennigan tonight announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination to U.S. House in the 2nd District, challenging incumbent James Langevin for renomination.

Study calls for outreach to curb prostitution

Ian Donnis — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:57:00 +0000

As Rhode Island's prostitution debate continues to simmer, the Family Life Center is out with a new study that touts a Pawtucket outreach program as an effective model for curbing street-based prostitution:

Fischer hired as spokesman for Caprio Committee

Ian Donnis — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:48:38 +0000

State Treasurer Frank Caprio's campaign committee has hired Bill Fischer, a veteran of political communications, as its spokesman.

Fischer, the principal of Providence-based True North Communications, says his firm's consulting arrangement with the Caprio Committee began last Friday. The job formalizes an acquaintance that began when Caprio was a state senator and Fischer served as the Senate's communications director from 1997-98.

"I've known Frank for 15 years," Fischer says. "I certainly think he has the skill set, the discipline, and the experience necessary to move Rhode Island forward." Fischer calls Caprio "one of the hardest working officials in government," adding, "I'm proud to represent him in this capacity."

Dennigan-Langevin fight launches today

Ian Donnis — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:00:24 +0000

A few weeks after we reported that state Representative Elizabeth Dennigan would be challenging US Representative Jim Langevin in a Democratic primary next year, the official announcement is set for this evening:

Professionals tapped in Mod Party's signature-gathering

Ian Donnis — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:02:11 +0000

Thanks to donations, the Moderate Party of Rhode Island has paid professional signature-collectors more than $30,000 as part of its quest to gain recognition as an official party in Rhode Island.

Party founder Ken Block says 13 independent contractors from a Massachusetts company, which he indentified as Palladin Petitioning, helped 90 volunteers to collect 30,000 signatures. That's about 6,000 more than the legal threshold for party recognition in Rhode Island.

Carol Montrond, Beloved Providence Journal Newsroom Employee, Dies

Scott MacKay — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:49:25 +0000

Carol Montrond of Providence, longtime coordinator for the Providence Journal newsroom, died today of a brain aneurysm at Miriam Hospital. She was 41.

Attorney General Patrick Lynch Finalizes Divorce

Scott MacKay — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:28:23 +0000

WRNI has learned that Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch and his wife, Christin Peckham Lynch, have filed for divorce in Rhode Island Family Court.

Attorney John Lynch Sr. of Warwick, Patrick Lynch's lawyer and no relation to the attorney general, confirmed today that the couple have reached an "amicable" divorce settlement. Divorce papers have been filed in Rhode Island Family Court in Providence County.

Loughlin sharpens his message

Ian Donnis — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:01:01 +0000

He might not yet be an officially announced challenger to US Representative Patrick J. Kennedy, but state Representative John Loughlin offers a preview of some pet themes with this release:

TIVERTON – State Representatives John J. Loughlin II ( R ) Tiverton, Portsmouth, Little Compton issued the following statement in response to Governor Carcieri’s Press Conference touting federal stimulus grants for the arts.

read more

Wednesday's politics + media miscellany

Ian Donnis — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:43:39 +0000

Random mid-week observations:

-- US Representative Jim Langevin isn't waiting for Elizabeth Dennigan to formally roll out her primary challenge. On Monday, his campaign team sent out a mass e-mail, foreshadowing future missives "to maintain open lines of communication with you about my work." And at Not for Nothing, David Scharfenberg has a post describing what might be called Langevin's pre-emptive strike against the abortion issue.

Dzykewicz resigns post as gov's energy adviser

Ian Donnis — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:44:44 +0000

UPDATE II: More to the story?

Dzykewicz, 62, in a interview this afternoon, says the time is right for him to leave and to pursue some private sector opportunities. Some other observers, however, question his departure coming in the middle of the state's most significant renewable energy project -- Deepwater Wind's offshore wind farm.

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ProJo unveils new look, calls itself "refreshed"

Ian Donnis — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:23:47 +0000

For readers accustomed to finding a Rhode Island section in their Providence Journal each morning, the redesign unveiled today may be jarring -- a seeming effort to streamline the smaller capacity for local news than in the past.

Here's executive editor Tom Heslin's explanation:

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Lincoln Chafee, pro and con

Ian Donnis — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:58:48 +0000

With 16 months until our next gubernatorial election, former ProJo staffer Mark Arsenault yesterday, via the Boston Globe, assessed Lincoln Chafee's independent bid for the office.

On the plus side is the Chafee persona:

John Holmes Jr., former Rhode Island Republican Party chairman, believes Chafee has a chance to make history as an independent.

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Note to Beleaguered Rhode Island Property Taxpayers: Things Likely To Get Worse

Scott MacKay — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 10:54:53 +0000

If you are a Rhode Island home owner worried about your rising property tax bills, take note. WRNI political analyst Scott MacKay explains why things will probably get worse next year.

When the General Assembly approved this year's state budget, lawmakers and Governor Donald Carcieri were pleased that there were no increases in the broad-based sales or income taxes that touch every Rhode Islander.

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Fung backs four-year term for Cranston mayor

Ian Donnis — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:48:34 +0000

Cranston Mayor Allan Fung says changing the mayoral term in his city -- from two years to four years -- is a good idea.

As it stands, the two-year term, he says, results in something of a perpetual campaign. The state adopted four-year terms for general officeholders back in the '80s. A charter review committee is exploring the concept in Cranston.

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Suttell Sworn In As Chief Justice

Scott MacKay — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:02:28 +0000

With pomp and humility, Associate Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice Paul Suttell was elevated to Chief Justice at a State House ceremony today.

Rain forced the ceremony from the capitol's back steps inside to the Rotunda as Suttell, 60, took the oath of office from Governor Donald Carcieri. Suttell is a former Republican state representative from Little Compton who is known as a strong legal writer and for working collegially on the state's highest court.

Montanaro Stepping Down As R.I. AFL-CIO Chief

Scott MacKay — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:22:10 +0000

Frank Montanaro, longtime president of the state AFL-CIO, will not run for president of the state's largest labor organization when his current term expires.

Montanaro, 75, of Cranston, has been president of the 80,000 member labor federation and organized labor's chief spokesman in Rhode Island since 1991.

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Roberts (hearts) the Red Sox

Ian Donnis — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:10:56 +0000

Barring a change in her plans, Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts -- a big Red Sox fan -- will be among those cheering the team as it resumes post-All Star game play against the Blue Jays in Toronto this weekend.

Rhode Island not among 10 most-broke states

Ian Donnis — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:24:10 +0000

We're not at the bottom of the national heap, at least according to this article from ABC News, co-written by former ProJo State House scribe Scott Mayerowitz. Connecticut and Vermont, however, did make the cut:

Busted budgets are forcing states to put nearly everything up for sale. High on the chopping block are benefits to the poor, money for education, highway repairs, hours that state offices are open and even closures of state parks and recreation areas.

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