The Scoop: RI Dems Blasts Fung on Flip-Flop, New Magaziner Ad, and More

Rhode Island Democratic Party Blasts Fung on Minimum Wage Flops

The Rhode Island Democratic Party has called out Republican candidate for Governor Allan Fung on changing his position on whether the minimum raise should be raised.

“Now that he is trailing in the polls, Mayor Fung is running from his long-stated position on the minimum wage.  He vehemently opposed it during the Republican primary and now he is desperately trying to distract from his position because it is wrong for working families," said Peter Baptista, Rhode Island Democratic Party Coordinated Campaign Director.

“He will say anything to get elected and playing politics with something as important as the minimum wage is outrageous.  Providing a living wage by indexing it to inflation is a key component of improving our state’s economy, because Rhode Islanders who are working 40 hours per week shouldn’t be living in poverty,” continued Baptista.

New Magaziner Television Ad Claims Almonte Mismanaged Office Budget

A new television ad by Democratic candidate for General Treasurer Seth Magaziner claims opponent Ernie Almonte mismanaged his office budget while Auditor General.

“Almonte’s outrageously high salary and his mismanagement of his own office budget is inexcusable,” said Magaziner campaign manager, Evan England. “At a time when Rhode Islanders were struggling financially, many losing their jobs, Mr. Almonte’s office spending and exorbitant salary increases show blatant disregard and disrespect for the taxpayers who funded them.”

“Almonte was the General Assembly’s handpicked Auditor for nearly 16 years, during which Rhode Island experienced waste and abuse that went unaddressed. Time and again, we see examples of wrongdoing that the Auditor General could have chosen to address, but had to be exposed and addressed by others,” continued England.

See ad below

Lynch Demands Travel Ban to Prevent Ebola Outbreak

Republican candidate for Cogressional District 1 Cormick Lynch has called for a travel ban to prevent an ebola outbreak.

Lynch said, "Stop all flights from Liberia and Western African countries exposed to Ebola from entering the United States immediately.  The efforts to date are insufficient and we must take swift, aggressive action including restriction on travel.  We do not have to sacrifice sending resources to Liberia to impede a global spread from ensuring those returning are fully quarantined before re-entering the United States.   The stakes are simply too high not to implement the strongest weapons in our arsenal to isolate and contain this disease.  Once again, President Obama’s failure to confront the obvious and lack of urgency is causing a clear and present danger to all Rhode Islanders and all Americans.  Congressman Cicilline has voted for these failed policies 96% of the time.”