Smiley Gets Endorsed by Anti-Gay Marriage, Pro-Life, Pro-Gun Rep. Hull

Smiley Gets Endorsed by Anti-Gay Marriage, Pro-Life, Pro-Gun Rep. Hull

With great fanfare, progressive Democratic candidate for Mayor Brett Smiley announced the support of Providence State Representative Ray Hull. The endorsement was a symbolic tweak at former Mayor Buddy Ciance as Hull was once driver to former Mayor Buddy Cianci.  

A GoLocal investigation into Ray Hull's record as a legislator unveiled that he is one of one of the top ranked lawmakers by the National Rifle Association (NRA), he opposed to a woman's right to chose, and voted against the legalization of gay marriage.

Support and Split on Crime

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Hull in the press conference and in a statement endorsing Smiley said that he supported the progressives's crime stand. 

Hull scored a 92% ranking from the NRA and in an interview with GoLocal said he did not support Smiley's funding source for non-violence efforts in his public safety program, a key component to Smiley's campaign. In contrast, while Hull scored a 92% NRA rating for his support of the gun-rights organization, East Side Representative Edith Ajello received a zero score from the NRA.

"The guns and ammunition tax is a specific piece of my proposal to fund anti-violence efforts in the city.  There's plenty other for us to agree upon, such as using data and technology to police smarter, and tracking down and getting illegal guns off our streets.  There's no shortage of common ground," said Smiley. 

Progressive and Proud

Smiley made national headlines with his clever television spot that articulated Smiley's policy focus and also unveiled to voters his gay marriage to former banker and now realtor Jim DeRentis.  Hull opposes gay marriage.  

On being opposed to marriage equality -- and being pro-life -- Hull said, "Those are my religious beliefs."

"Don't ever pigeon hole me, just as I wouldn't ever pigeon hole him (Smiley).  I don't get stuck on any issues.  I always try and meet people halfway," said Hull.

Smiley Defends Hull's Opinions

When asked why Smiley seeks the support of an elected official who opposes the core element of his crime bill and has opposite views to two of the most important social issues (a women's right to chose and gay marriage), "We don't agree on everything, but we agree on the fundamental challenges facing the city, and the crime in the city, and our police force," said Smiley.  

"I think it says something that my candidacy brings people across several spectrums and agree on what the leadership needed is, and we can agree on moving the city forward," added Smiley.

On social issues, Hull is among the most conservative member of th RI General Assembly.