Conservative Groups Split over Caprio and Robitaille

Conservative Groups Split over Caprio and Robitaille

The day after the Rhode Island Statewide Coalition announced it was backing Democrat Frank Caprio for governor, the Rhode Island Tea Party condemned the endorsement, claiming RISC had betrayed its principles.

“I am stunned by RISC's lack of conviction,” said Colleen Conley, President of the state Tea Party. “Frank Caprio has voted to raise taxes as a state legislator numerous times. He boasts a plethora of Union endorsements. That just strengthens the unions' ability to write their own rules of the game, to hire their own bosses. Caprio’s voting record clearly shows he has supported several tax increases and even supported efforts to organize day care workers in our state. Just more burden on the taxpayers.”

RISC claims to be the largest taxpayer group in Rhode Island.

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Its endorsement of Caprio has upset many conservatives throughout the state according to Mike Napolitano, a spokesman for Republican John Robitaille. “We’ve heard from numerous people who are extremely disappointed with RISC,” Napolitano told GoLocalProv.

The conservative blog, Anchor Rising, added its voice to the chorus of critics, saying RISC had made a “big mistake” and further distanced itself from other right-leaning groups.

In a statement, Conley said Robitaille was the “only candidate" who understands that government does not create jobs and that taxes need to be cut.

“RI Tea Party and its members will not play political games. Ever,” Conley said. “We stand by our convictions of sound government policy, fair and equitable taxation, fiscal and government data transparency, public education that works for students, voting rights, and growth of small business. … We stand by John Robitaille.”