Rainville Lobbied while Running for AG
Stephen Beale, GoLocalProv News Editor
Rainville Lobbied while Running for AG
Rainville was a registered lobbyist for Care New England from January to June 2010, according to state records obtained in a GoLocalProv investigation. Rainville, an independent, announced his candidacy in February 2010.
One of his opponents for Attorney General, Democrat Peter Kilmartin, said it was a clear conflict of interest.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“Robert Rainville, with his background as a lobbyist for Care New England, clearly would have an ethical conflict of interest as Attorney General,” said Kilmartin spokesman Brett Broesder.
“He would not only have to recuse himself, but possibly the entire office, if there is a major hospital merger involving Care New England due to his involvement with the company as a lobbyist and lawyer,” Broesder added. “If he recused the entire office, Rainville would have to hire outside counsel, which would cost taxpayers thousands of dollars.”
Rainville told GoLocalProv he didn’t think there was conflict of interest.
“My work as a private attorney while I am only a candidate for office presents no conflict at all,” Rainville said. “This is very clear as I’m sure you know. It is no secret that I have consulted for Care New England hospital systems for many years and I am very proud of the work that I have done.”
Continued to Be Lobbyist until June
“I … mutually agreed to cease all work for them back in March … which you can confirm, because I wanted to be extra clear that I was very serious about my campaign and put all my efforts into running for the office of Attorney General and also to avoid even the slightest question of an appearance of conflict once elected to office,” Rainville said. “This was a serious personal and financial sacrifice on my part. People who know me can attest to my integrity and respect that I have for what the Attorney General’s office should be.”
However, records on the Secretary of State’s Web site show that he was a registered legislative lobbyist up to June 9 and executive lobbyist up to June 10, continuing to receive a total of $5,334 a month for his work.
Asked about the discrepancy, Rainville responded: “There was a transitional period when I was paid after I stopped lobbying activities due to any questions that may have arisen from my work beforehand.”
Rainville said the work he had done as a lobbyist had “enriched the lives of Rhode Islanders.” He said he had advocated for state funding to make health care more affordable and ensure doctors had the resources to treat patients. He said he also pushed for legislation that made flu shots available at pharmacies across the state and provided adequate funding for state universities and colleges.
“I believe the story should be that we have an Attorney General candidate who has dedicated his life to helping Rhode Island families,” Rainville said. “Lobbying is not a bad word, especially when you are advocating for Rhode Island families to help them get better affordable health care and higher education.”