Robert Healey, 1957-2016: Rhode Island Leaders React
GoLocalProv News Team and Kate Nagle
Robert Healey, 1957-2016: Rhode Island Leaders React
Rhode Islanders are recalling the legacy and impact of politician and lawyer Bob “Cool Moose” Healey, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 58.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe founder of the Cool Moose Party and perennial candidate for Governor and Lt. Governor famously spent less than $40 in 2014 for his run for the state’s top post, running on the Moderate Party ticket.
READ: RI Cool Moose Party Founder Bob Healey Passes Away
Reactions from elected officials in Rhode Island started coming in on Monday following the news of Healey's passing.
“Regardless of where you are on the political spectrum, there is no denying that Bob Healey was deeply devoted to public service. I remember him advocating for government transparency when I served as Secretary of State, and that advocacy defined his role in public life for decades," said Congressman Jim Langevin. "I admired his commitment to good and open government, and to encouraging citizen involvement at every level. He really believed in democracy to his core, and in making sure that every Rhode Islander had a voice. He influenced our public discussion about government and policy in more ways than he could ever know, and my deepest sympathies go out to his friends, family and supporters."
Cranston Mayor Allan Fung weighed in on his former opponent in the 2014 gubernatorial race.
"I am saddened to hear of Bob Healy’s passing. Over the years, Mr. Healey was an advocate for many public policy issues that resonated with Rhode Islanders. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time," said Fung.
Healey: "Ahead of His Time"
“I think what everyone's picked up on now nationally, is that people are focused on the ‘outsider,’ and those not on the "inside,” said former Rhode Island State Representative and Congressional candidate John Loughlin. “Maybe Bob was ahead of his time. It certainly foreshadowed what was to come on the national scene.”
Loughlin recounted his "favorite story" about Healey on Monday.
“On Election night, when I was making the call to concede the race to [Cicilline], I saw that my daughter was crying on the bed,” said Loughlin. “I thought I’d tell her we tried and we did our best, but she looked up to me and said, ‘Dad, Bob lost — that’s why I’m crying!”
Candidates Weigh In
Moderate Party founder Ken Block said Monday that Rhode Island politics today is “far poorer” for Healey’s absence.
“Over the years, I got to know him pretty well in politics. I always liked what he did, he liked what I did - I had a lot of respect for him,” said Block. “He hated the political status quo. I always said that's what most harming Rhode Island, and he lived and breathed it every day.”
“He fought in the way he felt was the best he could. Last election was a testament to his steady message that the status quo is no good in Rhode Island. His name and image recognition continued to grow,” said Block. “Everyone knew him - it was well earned, and I think Rhode Island politics is far poorer today because of his absence. “
Libertarian Tony Jones, who like Healey ran on the platform of abolishing the office of Lt. Governor (Jones ran in 2014) offered his remembrance of Healey.
“Bob Healey was a true Renaissance Man, a brilliant political philosopher and a gentle soul who was a friend to all. Most importantly, Bob Healey was a mentor to me, and to just about anyone who was interested in getting involved in the political process,” said Jones. “In 2014, I was a first time candidate for public office and had some questions about the process, Bob took the time to walk me through how to the ballot and he even personally collected signatures for my ballot access. Even while he was running a successful law firm and multiple business, Bob made time for everyone, because Bob felt it was the right thing to do, and Bob always did the right thing.”
“So much has already been said — Bob's endless intellectual curiosity, his gentle selfless nature, his commitment to excellence in a range of pursuits, that upon reflection, are simply staggering — if you are a political independent, a free thinker, or pursued independent media, Bob Healey managed to be your Obi Wan, your Yoda, and somehow your Dumbledore all at once,” said Ford. “He was always there, always ready to help. His presence simply made you better.”
Shave and a Haircut Away?
Former Providence Journal political writer Charlie Bakst once famously said that Healey was a “shave and a haircut” away from being elected.
“My perspective is that Bob Healey was a bright, colorful guy who meant well but was too much of an ideologue or free spirit to have any chance of winning a major office,” said Bakst on Monday. “I think people overestimate things when they point to sizable numbers of votes he received for Lt. Governor in 2010, when there was no Republican candidate - and for Governor in 2014 when I believe much if not virtually all support he garnered was from Democrats or Democratic-leaning independents who had wanted Angel Taveras or Clay Pell to be the nominee instead of Gina Raimondo. Nice guy, though. RIP.”
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