The Scoop: Fung Confirms Christie RI Visit, Almonte Blasts Magaziner on Disclosure, and More

Fung Confirms Christie RI Visit

Republican candidate for Governor Allan Fung has confirmed that New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie will visit Rhode Island on Friday, October 10, 2014 to support Fung’s candidacy for Governor. 

Christie is also Chairman of the Republican Governors Association.

“I am excited to welcome Governor Christie, the Chairman of the Republican Governors Association, to Rhode Island,” stated Fung.  “Governor Christie’s planned visit further highlights the competitive nature of this race and just how important this election is for the people of Rhode Island.”

Almonte Campaign Calls on Magaziner to Be Transparent On Campaign Finances

The Almonte for Treasurer campaign submitted a letter to the Rhode Island Board of Elections asking the agency to look into the source of Seth Magaziner’s campaign funds and to determine whether or not they comply with campaign finance laws and regulations.

The letter cites Magaziner’s ethics disclosure, which shows no real estate holdings, no trust funds, no investments of any kind, and reports his salary from Trillium Asset Management between $50,001 and $100,000 as his sole source of income.

Evan Petrone, campaign manager for independent candidate Ernie Almonte for General Treasurer, called on the Magaziner campaign to make public the source of $550,000 in “personal” loans made to the campaign.

“With just four weeks left before the election, Rhode Island voters deserve to know the source of these funds,” said Petrone. “Mr. Magaziner has been asked publicly, several times, where the money came from and has refused to answer. We think it’s important to know who is funding his campaign.”

“Mr. Magaziner says he’ll be transparent with taxpayer money if elected treasurer. How can voters trust what he says if he won’t be transparent with his campaign finances?”

Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce to Host Upcoming Candidate Forums

The Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce will host the Gubernatorial and Providence Mayoral Candidate Forums.

City of Providence Mayoral Forum

When: Wednesday, October 15, 2014 from 8:00 am – 9:15 am

Where: Providence Biltmore Hotel, 11 Dorrance Street, Providence
What: An interactive breakfast forum with Former Housing Court Judge Jorge Elorza (D), Dr. Daniel S. Harrop (R) and Former Mayor Vincent A. "Buddy" Cianci Jr. (I).

Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC is the presenting sponsor.

Rhode Island Gubernatorial Forum

When: Friday, October 31 from 8:00 am - 9:15 am
Where: Providence Marriott Downtown, One Orms Street, Providence
What: Join candidates Gina Raimondo (D) and Allan Fung (R) for one of the last Gubernatorial forums before Election Day. 

Fidelity Investments is the presenting sponsor.

To RSVP, call 401.521.5000 or email [email protected]. The Forums are open to the media.

Hodgson Proposes Public Integrity Unit

Republican candidate Attorney General Dawson Hodgson has proposed a Public Integrity Unit to fix Rhode Island's political culture.

“It’s time to fix our state’s reputation,” Hodgson said. “Fixing Rhode Island’s reputation will help us fix our economy.” 

“This unit will be a critical watchdog for public trust issues,” Hodgson explained.  “It is desperately needed, especially after the four-year ineffective tenure of a conflicted incumbent unable or unwilling to take on his State House cronies.”        

Under the Hodgson Administration, the Public Integrity Unit will coordinate the enforcement of Ethics, Open Government, and Public Corruption laws.