7 RI Political Twists and Turns That Will Impact 2020 Election

Both Legislative Leaders Face Potentially Strong Opposition

Speaker of the House Nick Mattiello is not the only legislative leader to potentially face a competitive race. Mattiello, who barely won his last two contests, faces Republican Barbara Ann Fenton Fung.

Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, who was first elected to the Senate in 1984 -- 36 years ago --  has not had a competitive race ever, but now is facing a well-organized Lenny Cioe in the primary. He is one of the RI Cooperative candidates.

Signatures

Unlike any election in modern history, candidates in Rhode Island will not be required to get "wet" signatures -- i.e. pen and ink -- for their nomination "papers."

Nellie Gorbea, the Secretary of State, made the following statement after U.S. District Court decision this week ruling nomination signatures than can be submitted electronically -- this election cycle only. 

“Today’s ruling takes key steps to protect the health of candidates and voters during a pandemic. The decision also allows candidates for public office in Rhode Island to gather and submit nomination signatures in a manner that adheres to cybersecurity best practices," said Gorbea.

"I thank the election officials, civic organizations, voters and other stakeholders who added their valuable input to this conversation. Working together, we will deliver safe and secure elections for Rhode Islanders this fall," she added. 

Steve Brown with the RI ACLU -- who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the 6 candidates challenging the in-person signature requirement in light of coronavirus concerns and restrictions -- said he hopes the decision will lead to a broader discussion about voting. 

"One should not have to risk one’s health to participate in the electoral process. We therefore greatly appreciate that the court recognized that an alternative method of gathering signatures in the midst of a pandemic was essential to protect the First Amendment rights of candidates and voters," said Brown. 

"We hope this decision will also send a message to policymakers about the need to begin considering alternative voting procedures for the September election similar to what was done for the Presidential primary," he added. 

Endless Bickering

Nearly every day, one of the two GOP candidates for Mayor of Cranston sends out a press release blasting the other.

Friday, it was Councilor Ken Hopkins whacking Council President Mike Farina on social media. 

Hopkins expressed "outrage and personal resentment" against primary opponent Farina who has accused his supporters and followers of misusing the term "H-train" in light of the opioid epidemic. 

Hopkins explained that he has used the campaign slogan for supporters as “Joining the H Train," particularly when they request to place a campaign sign on their lawn or property.  It is a slogan he said he has used since 2016 when he first campaigned and won election to the Cranston City Council.  Hopkins said “Farina had no issue with the slogan when we ran twice on the same Republican ticket for city council.”

Farina in recent days has attacked the “H Train” reference and has accused Hopkins and his supporters as "not being appropriate" in light of opioid addiction. 

24 Progressives Under One Banner

The Rhode Island Political Cooperative has announced that the organization has 24 candidates who have filed for state and local offices this election cycle. 

With ten candidates for Rhode Island Senate, seven candidates for Rhode Island House, four candidates running for Woonsocket City Council, two candidates running for Central Falls City Council, and one candidate for Warwick City Council, the "slate is bringing an unprecedented challenge to Rhode Island’s political establishment," said the cooperative. 

“We want an overhaul of the leadership in the General Assembly that has consistently failed us,” said RI Political Cooperative Co-Chair Jennifer Rourke. “Whether it be their nonexistent response to the COVID crisis, tax cuts for the wealthy, or the expansion of corporate subsidies, the political establishment has demonstrated that they only care about maintaining their power, not representing their constituents. It is time for change and the candidates in the RI Political Co-op will bring it.” 

Morgan is Back

Failed candidate for Governor and former House Minority Leader Patricia Morgan is back.

She is running for her old seat in House District 26.

Morgan lost to Fung in the GOP primary for Governor in 2016. Raimondo easily defeated Fung.

GOP Un-Endorses U.S. Senate Candidate

On Thursday,  the Executive Committee of the Rhode Island Republican Party met and voted to pull the party’s endorsement of candidate Allen Waters for United States Senate. The meeting was called after reports surfaced that Waters had been involved in a domestic disturbance in March 2019. 

This decision overturns the vote by the State Central Committee on June 8, 2020. 

Rhode Island GOP Chairwoman Sue Cienki said: “Due to the restrictions on in-person gatherings instituted by the Governor, we were forced to have our June convention on Zoom. This eliminated a lot of the conversation amongst our committee members that would normally take place in person. Specifically, the fact that the nominating committee had not recommended endorsement."

Cienki continued: ”I and other members of the Executive Committee heard from many in our party who were concerned about Mr. Waters after the reports came out. Due to this, it was decided to gather the Executive Committee and review the endorsement of Mr. Waters.”

Cienki added: “If Mr. Waters does gather the required signatures, he can continue his campaign and run as a Republican, though it will be without the endorsement or support of the Rhode Island Republican Party.”

Pawtucket's Cheerleader Running

There may be no one that is a bigger cheerleader for the city of Pawtucket.

Now, he is running for the State Senate.

Weiss announced his candidacy for Rhode Island the District 15 (Pawtucket, North Providence) seat and he has received the endorsement of Democratic State Senate District 15 Committee.  

“I have known and worked with Herb Weiss both on the Democratic City Committee, as well as, on city projects.  Herb always has the city's best interest at heart and will work tirelessly on any task for the betterment of the community. Herb will certainly be an asset to Pawtucket's legislative delegation,” says Mary Bray, Chair of the Pawtucket’s Democratic City Committee.

Adds City Councilor John Barry III (District 4), "Herb, will bring energy and fierce determination to Smith Hill on behalf of District 15 and the City, his tenacity will reap benefits for all of our residents from day one.”

“As a state Senator, I will work closely with the Pawtucket legislative delegation and City Administration to continue the development of its waterfront, historic downtown and mills in the Conant Mill District abutting the new commuter rail station,” says Weiss. “Small businesses are key to generating jobs and improving the state’s economy and the state’s Commerce RI must allocate more funding in its Rhode Island Rebuild program to assist the state’s smaller companies,” he states.

 “For decades I have worked indefatigably for the City of Pawtucket to fill the old mills scattered throughout the City with small businesses and artists. As a state Senator, I can continue working closely on local and state policy issues that will impact the economy of both Pawtucket and North Providence that ultimately effect the quality of life for its residents,” states Weiss.