2020 Election Profile: Elaine Morgan, RI State Senate District 34
GoLocalProv News Team
2020 Election Profile: Elaine Morgan, RI State Senate District 34
Read what she has to say about why she is running for office.
This is part of an ongoing series by GoLocal featuring each of the candidates for House and Senate.
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1. What do you think is the biggest political issue this campaign season in Rhode Island?
I see the division of races/religion/philosophy as one of our biggest issues. We need to unite together regardless of diversity. Embrace our differences. That is what makes our nation great. United we stand divided we fall. Forces are trying to divide and conquer our state and nation. We cannot let this happen.
2. What do we need to do to improve Rhode Island's economy?
Improving our economy would take having a balance in our legislature. We now currently have one party rule. There is no debate or compromise when one party holds all the power. We need to balance our budget and stop the over spending. Transparency is also an issue we face. We as elected official sometimes have a difficult time finding where and how money is spent without a court order.
3. What is the greatest challenge facing Rhode Island as a state?
Politicians not listening to the people. Caring about self and special interests over RI interests.
4. Why are you running for office? What makes you uniquely qualified?
I am seeking re-election because my constituents need a voice in the legislature. I am that voice and will continue to do so. My senate record shows my qualifications. I listen and respond to my constituents. I have been rated the #1 senator for protecting our freedom and liberties by the RI Center for Freedom and Prosperity. I understand our needs as a rural community. I have and will continue advocating to preserve our rural character and support legislation to encourage responsible non-infringing development.
5. Who is your inspiration?
My parents.....Dad a purple heart Korean war veteran. He taught me to stand up for what I believed in and never give up trying. If you do not stand for something you will fall for anything is what he always said. He was in a full body cast, paralyzed from the neck down when he was flown back to the states from being shot up the back of his spine. Doctors told him he would never walk again. After a year in a Michigan Hospital a miracle happened. His faith and resilience prevailed he walked and returned to his RI home. The newspaper had him on the front page as "The miracle GI returns home". If he hadn't recovered, he would have never met my mother and I would have never been born.
That brings us to Mom....Mom is and always has been a strong but silent woman. Her motto was "Speak softly but always carry a big stick." (Teddy Roosevelt.) She continues to be my support. I am blessed and grateful to still have her in my life. At 82 she is still active, loves travel and is up for most anything.
People tell me I take after my dad.