Fecteau: Does State Rep. Macbeth Stand A Chance Against Cicilline? No With Caveats

Fecteau: Does State Rep. Macbeth Stand A Chance Against Cicilline? No With Caveats

In an interesting turn of events, state Rep. Karen L. MacBeth of Cumberland, Rhode Island switched party allegiance from Democrat to Republican, and is challenging US Rep. David Cicilline for congress. This isn’t a shocker considering many of those in the General Assembly are only nominally Democrats; the majority are Democrats in name only or DINOs.  However, does she stand a chance against Mr. Cicilline? The answer is no with some caveats. 

There is little if any chance MacBeth can defeat Cicilline for Rhode Island’s district one federal house seat.  While she is looked at as a superstar in Republican circles, the fact the Rhode Island Republican Party is so marginalized doesn’t help much.  She will likely have an easy victory in the primary race against Republican congressional candidate Russell Taub and pick up more suburban support because of her roots, but that is it. She will likely give Cicilline little challenge in the general race.  

Instead of challenging Cicilline in the Democratic primary, something that would have been more difficult initially, but paid off later on, she seeks stardom in the Republican circles (she is very popular with the infinitesimal amount of Republicans in Rhode Island). The members of the Rhode Island Republican Party may cheer her on, but they all know it is in vain; the gerrymandered districts (2012), the hostility to anyone with an ‘R’ next to their name, and lack of funding will make it near impossible. 

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After the primary, even if Mr. Cicilline debates her, Macbeth will have to overcome a number of obstacles such as higher Democrat voter turnout because of the presidential election. A larger number of Republicans, may turn out in the Republican presidential primaries because the firebrand presidential candidate Donald Trump, but would will make little difference. The GOP will attempt to galvanize opposition to Cicilline by regurgitating the same rhetoric we heard for the past six years: “Cicilline left Providence in shambles.” 

Saying this makes little difference. Cicilline is an astute manipulator that lies seemingly on cue whenever some asks him a substantive policy issue or about his non-existent track record. Cicilline complements his duplicity with his suave demeanor; while cynics in Rhode Island, such as myself never bought it, Cicilline is in his element especially with the senior citizens. Cicilline will tout the fact he wants to protect Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security (the lifeline of many of the senior citizens) and Republicans like MacBeth want to cut those critical programs. 

MacBeth’s best bet is linking Cicilline to the Rhode Island establishment.  Because of his links to the establishment, Cicilline covertly supported the relocation of the PawSox to Providence, owes the now imprisoned, corrupt former RI House Speaker Gordon Fox for gerrymandering districts in 2012, and campaigns with and endorses the candidates and elected officials that destroyed the state of Rhode Island (the same elected officials are just as conservative as MacBeth).  Cicilline is a proud card carrying member of the democratic institution that is responsible for the vast bulk of corruption and nepotism that saturates our state. 

Money is an issue. Cicilline has nearly $700,000 and MacBeth has no recorded FEC filings.  Because of her party switch, MacBeth may likely raise more money from the Rhode Island Republican Party, but how much? Considering there are already so few Republicans in Rhode Island, not too much to make a difference. The Republicans best bet is to focus on winning state, and municipal races. 

There is one reasonable, longshot way to success against Cicilline. With the Republican establishment rallying around her, MacBeth can conduct an insurgent campaign similar to the one I conducted.  This will require close and at times, uncomfortable interaction with constituents. MacBeth will have to be seen at all social events in district one, and appear on all the local radio and television shows. She will need to submit articles that tout her experience and clearly delineate why she is running.  

This is her best bet, though it is a longshot, and to be honest, don’t think she is serious about taking on Cicilline.  Does she have the drive politicians like Buddy Cianci had?  Time will tell. 

Matt Fecteau ([email protected]), of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, lost to U.S. Rep. David Cicilline in 2014’s Democratic primary. He is a former White House national security intern and Iraq war veteran.