2018 Gov’s Playbook: Two Weeks to Go -- Will There Be an October Surprise?
GoLocalProv Political Team
2018 Gov’s Playbook: Two Weeks to Go -- Will There Be an October Surprise?
In the past week, the Fung campaign has tried to damage Raimondo on issues ranging from her management of the Department of Children, Youth and Families and cost overruns in the UHIP initiative.
SEE POLLING RESULTS BELOW
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“Our sources have told us that collections is still using the antiquated ‘ProCats’ system because the UHIP version is not even programmed. I challenge the Raimondo administration to come clean and divulge just how much money the state lost out on because of her legal department's incompetence,” Fung charged.
But, Fung’s attacks have primarily recapped previously disclosed information, and much of it has been in the public sphere for as long as two years.
On Monday, Fung has scheduled a press conference at the RI Department of Motor Vehicles another often troubled agency.
Republican Governors Pull Money on Fung
The Republican Governor’s Association (RGA) have canceled media intended to support Fung’s campaign efforts, according to WPRI.
Fung is already being dramatically outspent by Raimondo and independent expenditure groups promoting Raimondo’s reelection efforts.
Last week, Independent candidate Joe Trillo, who is polling at 17 percent in the Della Volpe poll, had two press conferences last week.
First, Trillo blasted Raimondo's claim that the state fully cooperates with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), at a press conference at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.
"Right now, as of 2017, RIDOC personnel are not allowed to assist ICE in the apprehension of an illegal immigrant as they are released from state prison," said Trillo. "We are living in a sanctuary state. Regardless of what the Governor says on the debate stage, the truth is that the government and State Police will do everything they possibly can to avoid cooperating with immigration laws."
Trillo provided a copy of the inter-office memorandum from 2017, which states, "Consistent with our policy on ICE detainers, the Department and our staff must follow these guidelines: Upon the discharge of an Immigration Detainee, Correctional Officers have no legal authority to assist in the apprehension or detention of individuals sought by ICE."
Then, on Friday Trillo announced that if elected, his first executive order would be to give a one-time 3% COLA to all pensioners on the first $20,000 of income -- and that he would appoint Ted Siedle as special counsel to the governor.
"[Raimondo's pension reform] was to recklessly invest pensions into high-risk funds that cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars in fees. The result was she suspended COLAs (cost of living adjustments), lost $500,000,000 from pension accounts, and damaged the financial stability of thousands of people," said Trillo. "She cost thousands of hardworking Rhode Islanders their peace of mind and gave them uncertain financial futures, all so she could get campaign contributions and advance her own career.”
“...I am announcing my first official executive order when I take office in January. This executive order will have two major objectives. First, it will award a 3% COLA for all pensioners (on the first $20,000 of income). Secondly, it will appoint Ed “Ted” Siedle as special counsel to the Governor," said Trillo. "He will have full authority to continue his investigation he started in 2013 and get to the bottom of Gina Raimondo’s wrongdoing."
GoLocal Statewide Poll - FULL RESULTS, Conducted by Harvard's Della Volpe Oct. 2018
Are you registered to vote in Rhode Island?
Yes.: 100%
What is your gender
Male.: 45%
Female: 55%
Where do you live?
Metro Providence: 28%
West Bay: 27%
Blackstone Valley: 22%
East Bay: 13%
South County: 10%
Could you please indicate your age?
18-24: 7%
25-34: 16%
35-44: 16%
45-54: 20%
55-64: 17%
65+: 25%
This question is about the total income of YOUR HOUSEHOLD for the PAST 12 MONTHS. Please include your income PLUS the income of all members living in your household (including cohabiting partners and armed forces members living at home).
50,000 or less: 32%
More $50,000 but less than $75,000: 18%
More $75,000 but less than $100,000: 16%
More $100,000 but less than $150,000: 14%
$150,000 or more: 11%
Don't know/Refused: 10%
What was the last grade you completed in school?
0-11: 1%
High school grad: 17%
Technical/Vocational school: 4%
Some college: 26%
College grad: 32%
Graduate degree: 21%
What particular ethnic group or nationality - such as English, French, Italian, Irish, Latino, Jewish, African American, and so forth - do you consider yourself a part of or feel closest to?
White, Non-Hispanic: 80%
Black or African-American: 7%
Latino or Hispanic: 6%
Other: 8%
Which of the following best describes your current employment status?
Employed full-time: 45%
Employed part-time: 10%
Self-employed: 6%
Not employed / Homemaker: 6%
Not employed: 28%
Student: 4%
Which one of these best describes your religious preference or spiritual outlook?
Catholic: 43%
Protestant:10%
Fundamentalist/Evangelical Christian: 4%
Jewish: 3%
Muslim: 1%
LDS/Mormon: *
Another religion: 3%
Atheist: 7%
Secular humanist: 2%
No religious preference: 21%
Not sure: 5%
When it comes to voting, do you consider yourself to be affiliated with the Democratic Party, the Republican Party, Moderate, or Unaffiliated with a major party?
Democrat: 38%
Republican: 15%
Moderate: 6%
Unaffiliated: 39%
Don't know/Refused: 3%
In November, there will be a statewide general election for Governor and many other state offices. How likely is it that you will vote in this election? Will you definitely be voting, will you probably be voting, are you 50-50...
Definitely be voting: 86%
Probably be voting: 14%
Did you vote in the 2014 midterm elections?
Yes: 80%
No: 10%
I don't remember: 9%
Did you vote in the 2016 general election for president?
Yes: 89%
No: 8%
I don't remember: 1%
I was not eligible: 2%
For whom did you vote?
Hillary Clinton: 48%
Donald Trump: 36%
Someone else: 14%
I do not remember: 2%
What would you say is the number one problem facing Rhode Island that you would like the Governor to address? [Open-Ended Response]
Jobs and economy: 21%
Taxes: 20%
Roads: 11%
Education: 8%
State budget: 6%
Corruption/Public integrity: 5%
Healthcare: 4%
Immigration: 4%
Drugs and Opioids: 3%
Entitlements: 3%
Housing: 2%
Governor: 2%
Homelessness:1%
Don’t Know: 7%
Other: 5%
In general, would you say things in Rhode Island are headed in the right direction or are they off on the wrong track?
Right track: 19%
Wrong track: 38%
Mixed: 43%
Which of the following comes closest to your view regarding each of the following candidates for governor of Rhode Island? [RANDOMIZED]
Gina Raimondo, a Democrat
I am sure to vote for her: 18%
There is a good chance I will vote for her: 20%
It is possible that I vote for her: 17%
It is unlikely that I will vote for her: 13%
I will never vote for her: 32%
Which of the following comes closest to your view regarding each of the following candidates for governor of Rhode Island? [RANDOMIZED]
Allan Fung, a Republican
I am sure to vote for him: 15%
There is a good chance I will vote for him: 13%
It is possible that I vote for him: 23%
It is unlikely that I will vote for him: 20%
I will never vote for him: 29%
Which of the following comes closest to your view regarding each of the following candidates for governor of Rhode Island? [RANDOMIZED]
Joe Trillo, an Independent
I am sure to vote for him: 3%
There is a good chance I will vote for him: 6%
It is possible that I vote for him: 31%
It is unlikely that I will vote for him: 30%
I will never vote for him: 30%
Next is a series of qualities and attributes that candidates for Governor could possess. Which candidate for Governor does each attribute apply to most? [RANDOMIZED]
Has a vision for the state.
Allan Fung: 25%
Gina Raimondo: 31%
Joe Trillo: 11%
None: 12%
Don't know: 22%
Next is a series of qualities and attributes that candidates for Governor could possess. Which candidate for Governor does each attribute apply to most? [RANDOMIZED]
Will ensure that we have high-quality affordable health care.
Allan Fung: 13%
Gina Raimondo: 28%
Joe Trillo: 11%
None: 17%
Don't know: 31%
Next is a series of qualities and attributes that candidates for Governor could possess. Which candidate for Governor does each attribute apply to most? [RANDOMIZED]
Cares about people like me.
Allan Fung: 23%
Gina Raimondo: 25%
Joe Trillo: 14%
None: 19%
Don't know: 19%
Next is a series of qualities and attributes that candidates for Governor could possess. Which candidate for Governor does each attribute apply to most? [RANDOMIZED]
Will make government more accountable to the people.
Allan Fung: 21%
Gina Raimondo: 24%
Joe Trillo: 12%
None: 19%
Don't know: 24%
Next is a series of qualities and attributes that candidates for Governor could possess. Which candidate for Governor does each attribute apply to most? [RANDOMIZED]
Will stand up to special interests.
Allan Fung: 17%
Gina Raimondo: 21%
Joe Trillo: 17%
None: 19%
Don't know: 25%
Next is a series of qualities and attributes that candidates for Governor could possess. Which candidate for Governor does each attribute apply to most? [RANDOMIZED]
Is committed to improving education in public schools.
Allan Fung: 21%
Gina Raimondo: 43%
Joe Trillo: 6%
None: 9%
Don't know: 21%
Next is a series of qualities and attributes that candidates for Governor could possess. Which candidate for Governor does each attribute apply to most? [RANDOMIZED]
Is a fighter for the middle class.
Allan Fung: 22%
Gina Raimondo: 27%
Joe Trillo: 15%
None: 16%
Don't know: 19%
Next is a series of qualities and attributes that candidates for Governor could possess. Which candidate for Governor does each attribute apply to most? [RANDOMIZED]
Is honest and trustworthy.
Allan Fung: 19%
Gina Raimondo: 25%
Joe Trillo: 9%
None: 23%
Don't know: 25%
Next is a series of qualities and attributes that candidates for Governor could possess. Which candidate for Governor does each attribute apply to most? [RANDOMIZED]
Will hold the line on taxes.
Allan Fung: 24%
Gina Raimondo: 19%
Joe Trillo: 13%
None: 19%
Don't know: 25%
Next is a series of qualities and attributes that candidates for Governor could possess. Which candidate for Governor does each attribute apply to most? [RANDOMIZED]
Is fiscally responsible.
Allan Fung: 28%
Gina Raimondo: 29%
Joe Trillo: 10%
None: 12%
Don't know: 21%
Next is a series of qualities and attributes that candidates for Governor could possess. Which candidate for Governor does each attribute apply to most? [RANDOMIZED]
Brings fresh ideas and perspectives.
Allan Fung: 23%
Gina Raimondo: 25%
Joe Trillo: 15%
None: 17%
Don't know: 19%
If the election for Governor were held today and the candidates were: [ROTATE] Democrat Gina Raimondo, Republican Allan Fung and Independent Joe Trillo, for whom would you vote?
Gina Raimondo, a Democrat: 40%
Allan Fung, a Republican: 32%
Joe Trillo, an Independent: 17%
Don't know: 11%
Attorney generals in several states have begun investigating sexual abuse by Roman Catholic clergy, opening investigations and issuing subpoenas for documents.
Do you favor or oppose the Rhode Island Attorney General opening an investigation into the Archdiocese of Providence on issues related to possible sexual abuse of children?
Net: Support: 89%
Strongly Support: 61%
Somewhat Support: 27%
Net: Oppose: 7%
Somewhat Oppose: 5%
Strongly Oppose: 3%
Don't Know 4%
If the election for the U.S. Senate were held today and the candidates were: [ROTATE] Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse and Republican Robert Flanders, for whom would you vote?
Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democrat: 56%
Robert Flanders, a Republican: 32%
Don't know 12%
Recently, it was announced that state officials approved a fast-track regulatory review of Massachusetts based Partners HealthCare’s proposed takeover of Care New England, Rhode Island’s second-largest hospital system, and operator Women & Infants, Butler and Kent Hospitals. [RANDOMIZED]
Do you believe the quality of care for Rhode Islanders will:
Improve: 21%
Worsen: 19%
Stay about the same: 44%
Don't know: 16%
Recently, it was announced that state officials approved a fast-track regulatory review of Massachusetts based Partners HealthCare’s proposed takeover of Care New England, Rhode Island’s second-largest hospital system, and operator Women & Infants, Butler and Kent Hospitals. [RANDOMIZED]
Do you believe the number of jobs available to Rhode Islanders will:
Increase: 22%
Decrease: 27%
Stay about the same: 38%
Don't know 13%
The City of Providence and the state of Rhode Island are considering a proposal by New York
developer Jason Fane to build a 46-story luxury residence tower in Providence, next to a public
riverfront park. The developer will invest $250 to $300 million of his own funds. The project is
called the Hope Point Tower, it would be 170-feet taller than the Superman building and would
require waiving height restrictions and the use of state tax credits.
Net: Favor: 39%
Strongly favor: 15%
Somewhat favor: 23%
Net: Oppose: 52%
Somewhat oppose: 26%
Strongly oppose: 26%
Don't know:10%
Earlier this year, legislation was filed in the General Assembly that would require that all Rhode Island public schools have a school resource officer on the premises -- if a school has over 1,200 students -- two school resource officers would need to be present.
Net: Support: 68%
Strongly Support: 37%
Somewhat Support: 32%
Net: Oppose: 25%
Somewhat Oppose: 14%
Strongly Oppose: 10%
Don't Know: 7%
Do you support or oppose expanding Rhode Island’s free college tuition program at the
Community College of Rhode Island to the state’s two four-year colleges so that the last two
years of tuition at Rhode Island College and URI would be free for those recent high school
graduates, who are in a solid academic standing, and on track to graduate in four years? It is estimated that the cost of the program would be $35 million.
Net: Support: 55%
Strongly Support: 29%
Somewhat Support: 25%
Net: Oppose: 40%
Somewhat Oppose: 17%
Strongly Oppose: 24%
Don't Know: 5%
Do you support or oppose an Educational Bill of Rights for students and parents in Rhode Island that includes:
1) The right to be taught by effective teachers.
2) The right not to be taught by teachers who, after due process evaluation, fail to meet standards established by state and local education officials.
3) The right to appropriate academic materials and resources.
4) The right to safe, clean and environmental-friendly school facilities.
5) The right to emotionally supportive schools that do not tolerate harassment, discrimination or abuse.
6) The right to attend a school where funding is based on student need with the goal of providing
access to adequate educational opportunities.
7) The right to a pathway out of a failing school.
8) The right to a fair, accurate and transparent assessment system that measures student
performance and need.
9) The right of parents to current and reliable information about their child’s progress and performance.
Net: Support: 84%
Strongly Support: 51%
Somewhat Support: 33%
Net: Oppose: 9%
Somewhat Oppose: 7%
Strongly Oppose: 2%
Don't Know: 7%
Recently, Governor Gina Raimondo has been criticized for accepting $12,500 in campaign and
PAC contributions from members of the Sackler family. Owners of Purdue Pharma, the Sackler
family has been profiled in multiple national news outlets for fueling the US opioid addiction epidemic, through its painkiller OxyContin.
The Financial Times has also reported that the family also owns Rhodes Pharma, Rhode Island-
based drug maker that is among the largest producers of off-patent generic opioids in the US.
If Governor Gina Raimondo asked you for advice on this – would you suggest that she …
Return the money: 71%
Keep the money: 15%
Don't know: 14%
In terms of the number of women who face sexual harassment in the workplace – would you say that sexual harassment in Rhode Island is a …
Major problem: 35%
Minor problem: 36%
Not a problem 7%
Don't know 22%
Which party do you believe is most responsible for the Providence school bus strike?
Teamsters Local 251: 31%
The bus company: 21%
Mayor Jorge Elorza: 19%
Don't know: 29%
