Caprio: State Needs Leadership, not Chafee Lawsuits

Caprio: State Needs Leadership, not Chafee Lawsuits

Democrat Frank Caprio called on his independent opponent for governor, Lincoln Chafee, to renounce his threat to sue the board members of the Economic Development Corporation over their deal with Curt Schilling’s video game company.

"Rhode Islanders need a leader who is going to be an advocate for businesses that create jobs, not their adversary. Lincoln Chafee's threat to sue the board members of the Economic Development Corporation puts at jeopardy over 14,600 jobs and is reckless and irresponsible," Caprio said.

He added: "Legal action should be an option of last resort, as even the mention of it can cause irreparable damage to reputations and relationships. Statesmen respect the gravity of the law, and lead by listening first, not by shooting from the hip."

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He noted that in his own career as a corporate attorney he had pursued legal actions against large corporations like Wal-Mart for misconduct. As General Treasurer he said he has lead the charge to sue insurance companies to recover money wasted at the state landfill. So far, the first of those suits has won back $5 million of an estimated $75 million that was wasted.

He noted that Chafee, on the other hand, has won only one lawsuit, to raise taxes as Warwick mayor.