Side of the Rhode - Who's Hot and Who's Not in RI Politics

Side of the Rhode - Who's Hot and Who's Not in RI Politics

Read Side of the Rhode - Who's Hot and Who's Not in RI Politics - every Friday only at GoLocalProv.com!

WHO'S HOT

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

Bill Fischer  -> The well-known political operative and chief of True North Communications started a boycott of the 67 BP stores within 30 miles of Providence because of their oil spill and the tremendous fallout impacting the environment, the economy and our nation's energy future.  Bill is absolutely right that this spill - probably the largest in history - "happened because they put profit before the safety of the planet."  Join the Facebook page and the Twitter account.

Meghan Grady  -> The president of the Rhode Island Young Democrats was hotter than hot this week.  First, she led young Democrats in defense of the workers at the Westin after the young Republicans threatened to cross the picket line.  Second, she organized a highly successful grassroots fundraiser of Young Professionals in support of Angel Taveras for Mayor.

Xaykham “Xay” Khamsyvoravong  -> This 26 year-old Barrington native - one of the most under-recognized political talents in the state - was recently tapped to be campaign manager for Frank Caprio's gubernatorial campaign.  Khamsyvoravong ran Caprio's 2006 campaign for General Treasurer, served as his deputy chief of staff in the Treasurer's office and was instrumental in Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential primary victory in Rhode Island.  Now, he gets to flex his muscles in what will undoubtedly be one, if not, two very tough races: the Democratic Primary and, if victorious in that, the General Election.

Gordon Fox ->  The House Speaker received plaudits locally and nationally for standing up for the principles that are the foundation of the Democratic Party and refusing to hold a hearing on the anti-immigrant bill sponsored by Rep. Peter Palumbo.  There is plenty of opportunity for right-wing extremists to vet their anti-immigrant views in the newspaper and on the radio.  They need not waste our state legislators' valuable time on, essentially, a federal issue. 

Pro Worker Republicans  -> After the Republican Party of Rhode Island stuck their neck out very far by saying that they would cross the picket line at the Westin, prominent Republicans publicly criticized the decision including Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, Republican delegate Scott Bill Hirst, Log Cabin chairman Raymond Beltran, Assembly candidate Robert Paquin and Congressional candidate Michael Gardiner.   Looks like more Republicans came out against the attacks on workers than actually showed up to cross the picket line.

Raymond Gallison  -> This Bristol state legislator deserves plaudits for getting a House bill passed to protect student athletes with suspected concussions.  We have all seen and heard stories of athletes getting sent back into the game too early and terrible injuries and death resulting.  This bill - along with a senate version sponsored by state senator Walter Felag, would require school districts to work with the Rhode Island interscholastic league to develop guidelines for educating coaches and players in youth sports about the risks associated with concussions so that any student athlete with a suspected concussion will be removed from the playing or practice field and not return to play without written clearance from a licensed physician.  Great bill.

WHO'S NOT

Steven Costantino -> The House Finance chairman and candidate for Providence Mayor got a double whammy this week.  First, the powerful Services Employees International Union sent out a mailer to thousands of primary voters in Providence criticizing Costantino for his annual cuts to the people of Providence.   Second, both progressive outlets like RIFuture and conservative groups like RISC sharply condemned the FY 2011 budget that Costantino released and passed out of his committee yesterday for passing the tax burden onto local cities and towns, not addressing the flat tax, not passing a funding formula and leaving a $100 million hole that might or might not be filled by federal money.

Pat Conley  -> This historian, lawyer, former Buddy Cianci chief of staff, developer, and tax sale artist's grandiose $300 million Providence Piers condo, hotel, and marina project on Allens Avenue's industrial waterfront is going nowhere and one of his former partners, Joe Ruggiero, is foreclosing on a $1.1 million loan to  Conley.  But wait, it gets worse.  Turns out Bank of America was a partner in Conley's venture and is now suing him for breach of contract for obtaining the loan from Ruggiero in the first place.  Looks like Conley and the City of Providence's mixed-use vision for Allens Ave is in foreclosure and on its way to bankruptcy.

Ken Block  -> If you want to be taken seriously as a third-party candidate, your first TV ad needs to reflect the serious nature of your bid.  Block's first TV ad simply doesn't cut it.  If this ad is indicative of the kind of campaign he is going to run, the Moderate Party might not get the 5% of the vote that they need to get ballot status for future elections.

Peter Palumbo  -> This (democratic?) state legislator is riling up those on the right and those on the left.  A local conservative blog notes that Palumbo actually didn't want a hearing on the Arizona bill in Rhode Island and, in appearing to want a hearing, actually used Terry Gorman and others on the right as pawns.  Then, to the chagrin of Democrats, Palumbo appeared on Fox News and actually said, "Thank God for Fox news" followed by a statement against the "other stations" for airing too many "minority comments."  Really?  For those upset, a Cranston-based blog notes that an opponent is in store for Palumbo.

Deborah Gist  -> As first noted on RIFuture, Education Commissioner paid $10,000 for a speechwriter to write her speech before the General Assembly.  Now, I don't mind paying speechwriters, but (a) paying $10,000 (b) to an out of town company (c) for a cliche-filled speech (d) when you have people on your own staff (e) and other Rhode Island talent who can write a better speech means that you get an (f) on this one.

Kernan "Kerry" King  ->  This past week, former Carcieri lawyer Kerry King announced that he was running for General Treasurer.  Why?  He got drubbed in the 2006 Republican Primary for Lt. Governor by a margin of 67% to 33% to Reginald Centracchio.  Then, he was given a plush job as Executive Council to Republican Governor Don Caricieri even though he had not practiced law for the previous 12 years.  Does he really think he has what it takes to beat Democrat Gina Raimondo, who has won national acclaim and bipartisan support for her development of Pt. Judith Capital and a number of small businesses - such as Narragansett Beer?  I, for one, will not be jumping on board as a King Cyber Captain (?!)