Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not in RI Politics?

Friday, September 23, 2011

Dan McGowan, GoLocalProv MINDSETTER™

 

Who’s Hot

View Larger +

Jack Reed -> Rhode Island’s senior Senator continues to be most popular politician in the state, with 69 percent of registered voted saying they view him favorably, according to the GoLocalProv/Starr Opinion Research Poll. It’s hard not to. He’s never involved in a scandal; he doesn’t take part in the petty bickering between the two parties; and the man brings millions back to the state. What’s not to like?

Elizabeth Roberts -> After all she went through last year with Bob Healey, the Lt. Governor remains well-liked among elected officials. It’s also worth pointing out that she has won decisively in almost every election she’s ever been in. If she runs for Governor in 2014, she could cause serious problems for Governor Chafee.

Gina Raimondo -> It’s nice to see women involved in Rhode Island politics. It’s even nicer to see them doing a better job than the men. The General Treasurer’s star continues to shine among voters, and virtually everyone who follows politics believes she also plans to run for Governor in 2014. It will be interesting to see how voters feel after pension reform.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

Michael Solomon -> The Providence City Council President managed to raise a quick $40,000 during a fundraiser this week, adding to a war chest that already had over $50,000 as of the last filing period. If and when he decides to take a shot at higher office (Secretary of State, General Treasurer), Solomon will certainly have no problem matching his opponents dollar for dollar.

Scott Slater -> Of all the state lawmakers you’d expect to propose legislation that would require background checks for all political candidates, the guy who last year supported an initiative that would have banned the conviction check box on job applications might be the last guy on your list. But he’s spot on with this proposal. It will be interesting to see if leadership scrambles to kill the bill.

Senate Republican Caucus -> Kudos to this small group for declining their 1.6 percent this raise this year. It’s not much, but it’s the right move when so many of their constituents are unemployed or underemployed.

John Tassoni -> Congrats to the veteran State Senator, who is stepping down after more than a decade on Smith Hill. It sounds like the race to replace Tassoni is already heating up, with former AG Candidate Stephen Archambault and Bill Hawkins Jr. rumored to be considering running the seat.

Who’s Not

View Larger +

Dan Gordon -> The circus that is State Rep. Dan Gordon continues as he is now a member of the Libertarian party of Rhode Island. Gordon, who is about 15 minutes from running for President, probably needs to resign. Not because of his criminal history, but because he’s causing too much of a distraction at a time when the General Assembly has more important issues to worry about it.

Rhode Island Democrats -> Shame on every Democrat basking in the glory of Gordon’s mess. It’s important to remember that all those Facebook status updates and calls for his resignation will likely come back to haunt you the next time one of your own finds themselves in a difficult spot.

Lincoln Chafee -> On the bright side, the Governor has 45 percent of registered voters saying they have a favorable view of him. Of course, when 47 percent say they have an unfavorable view, it’s a different story.

President Obama -> The President’s numbers continue to sink in Rhode Island, leading many to believe he could be vulnerable in 2012 if the right Republican wins the primary. But that Republican will probably have to be Mitt Romney, because the others are likely too far to the right to win a New England state.

Susan Menard -> After the all the hype about the former Woonsocket Mayor running again, Susan Menard decided to not get involved. Now Leo Fontaine will cruise untouched to reelection, which is just not healthy. It’s good to have challengers and others voices involved. It’s keeps politicians honest.

Nick Narducci -> Was there really no other lawyer that could represent you in bankruptcy than Jim Lombardi, the City Treasurer? The Councilman may have not technically done anything wrong (that remains to be seen) but the appearance of such a conflict of interest should set off alarms.

John A. Leidecker -> The case was totally overblown, but it’s good to see someone get reprimanded for acting like such a fool. He left a huge black eye for members of teachers unions across the state at a time when union support appears to be in the tank.

Providence Schools -> Does anyone find it shameful that the cartoon “Recess” is three times as long as actual recess in Providence schools? You want to know why we have so many fat little kids rolling around? Because they’re only allowed to play kickball for 10 minutes each day.


Got a tip or suggestion? E-Mail Dan McGowan at [email protected]

If you valued this article, please LIKE GoLocalProv.com on Facebook by clicking H ERE.

 

Related Articles

 

Enjoy this post? Share it with others.

 
 

Sign Up for the Daily Eblast

I want to follow on Twitter

I want to Like on Facebook