Debates, lies, and Trump -- Rhode Island Democratic gubernatorial candidate Matt Brown has sparred with incumbent Gina Raimondo -- but not in person.
In dueling interviews with GoLocalProv, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo and opponent Matt Brown, the two leading Democratic gubernatorial candidates, lobbed charges of lies -- and countercharges -- as the race towards the September primary heats up.
While both sides hit out at each other in one-on-one interviews, it is Raimondo who still continues to refuse to debate face-to-face with Brown.
"His volunteers are knocking on doors saying I'm aligned with Trump, which is untrue -- and ridiculous," said Raimondo. "He's going to senior centers and scaring seniors, them telling them I'm going to take away their healthcare, which is wrong, and mean-spirited to do those scare tactics."
Raimondo made her remarks to GoLocal at a press event at the Elmhurst Rehabilitation Center in Providence on Wednesday morning, defending her stance on not agreeing to any debates, arguing that Brown's campaign has been "untruthful."
Brown fired back, however, in an appearance on GoLocal LIVE later on Wednesday afternoon-- owning the allegations levied by Raimondo, and chastising the Governor for her continued refusal to debate.
VIDEO: See Matt Brown Interview BELOW
"We have thousands of volunteers knocking on doors," said Brown. "I can tell you myself, that President Trump proposed steep cuts to Medicaid. Governor Raimondo proposed and enacted steep cuts to Medicaid here -- $125 million dollars in cuts to Medicaid, and that hurt people."
"President Trump has pushed forward more burning of fossil fuels. Governor Raimondo, as you know, has pushed for a plan to bring in a plant to burn fracked gas in Rhode Island, up in Burrillville," added Brown. "President Trump has given massive corporate tax breaks. Governor Raimondo's primary agenda for the past four years has been massive corporate tax breaks."
On Wednesday, Raimondo defended her position not to engage in primary debates - which Brown addressed on LIVE as well.
"I don't think it's a good idea to give him a platform to run such an untruthful campaign," said Raimondo of her decision not to engage in any Democratic primary debates.
"I'm out here talking to folks every day," said Raimondo. "Folks know where I stand. I'm always available and approachable -- I want to spend my time talking to Rhode Islanders, with voters and listening to Rhode Islanders -- and that's the best way I can use my time right now."
Governor Gina Raimondo spoke with GoLocal on Wednesday morning; Brown, Wednesday afternoon.
Brown fired back at Raimondo's reluctance.
"The real issue is the typical negative politics that people are so tired of, and frankly turns people off from our system, and we need to be getting people involved in our system," said Brown. "The real issue here is that she's refusing to debate -- and it's important because voters deserve -- whether or not Governor Raimondo thinks it's good for her strategy -- voters deserve to hear from the candidates."
"Lies" and Debates
On Wednesday, Independent candidate for Governor Joe Trillo called Cranston Mayor and Republican Gubernatorial candidate Allan Fung an "outright liar" regarding Fung's position on immigration reform, citing Fung's support of the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride while on the Cranston City Council.
While Trillo called Fung a liar, his camp said it would not preclude Trillo from debating Fung -- if he emerges from the Republican primary.
"Joe is looking forward to participating in any debates that emerge before the general election," said Trillo campaign spokesperson Raina Smith. "Joe would gladly debate Mayor Fung.
Related Slideshow: GoLocal Statewide Poll - Conducted by Harvard’s Della Volpe - June, 2018
Q4: When it comes to voting, do you consider yourself to be affiliated with the Democratic Party, the Republican Party, Moderate, or Unaffiliated with a major party?
Q5: Next year, in November of 2018, there will be a statewide general election for Governor and many other state offices. How likely is it that you will vote in this election? Will you definitely be voting, will you probably be voting, are you 50-50...
Definitely be voting.............................. 81%
Probably be voting............................... 19%
All others............................................. 0%
Q20: If the election for Governor were held today and the candidates were: Democrat Gina Raimondo, Republican Allan Fung and Independent Joe Trillo - for whom would you vote?
Q20: If the election for Governor were held today and the candidates were: Democrat Gina Raimondo, Republican Patricia Morgan and Independent Joe Trillo - for whom would you vote?
Q21: If the election for Governor were held today and the candidates were: Democrat Matt Brown, Republican Allan Fung and Independent Joe Trillo - for whom would you vote?
Allan Fung, a Republican..................... 35%
Matt Brown, a Democrat...................... 25%
Joe Trillo, an Independent.................... 14%
Q22: If the election for Governor were held today and the candidates were: Democrat Matt Brown, Republican Patricia Morgan and Independent Joe Trillo - for whom would you vote?
Matt Brown, a Democrat...................... 30%
Patricia Morgan, a Republican............. 20%
Joe Trillo, an Independent.................... 18%
Q23: If the election for the U.S. Senate were held today and the candidates were: [ROTATE] Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse and Republican Robert Nardolillo - for whom would you vote?
Q24: If the election for the U.S. Senate were held today and the candidates were: [ROTATE] Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse and Republican Robert Flanders - for whom would you vote?
Q25: If there was an election today, would you vote to approve or reject issuing $250 million in financing supported general obligation bonds to repair Rhode Island's deteriorating school buildings and bring them up to minimum standards called "warm, safe and dry"?
Q26: The Rhode Island General Assembly is in the process of negotiating a $40 million public financing deal with the Pawtucket Red Sox for a new stadium, hoping to bring a vote before the House and Senate this summer.
In general, do you favor or oppose the use of public funds to help finance a new stadium for the Pawtucket Red Sox?
Q27: The City of Providence and the state of Rhode Island are considering a proposal by New York developer Jason Fane to build a 46-story luxury residence tower in Providence, next to a public riverfront park. The developer will invest $250 to $300 million of his own funds. The project is called the Hope Point Tower, it would be 170-feet taller than the Superman building and would require waiving height restrictions and the use of state tax credits.
In general, do you favor or oppose development of the Hope Point Tower?
Q29: Since it was launched in 2016, UHIP -- the Rhode Island program designed to improve customer service for those who receive federal benefits -- has run into significant problems, including long lines, cost overruns, lost applications, over- and under-charging of patients and families.
Based on what you know at this time, what percent of blame for this do you assign to:
Deloitte, the consulting company who
produced the system........................... 53.3%
Governor Gina Raimondo, who has
been governor since the system
launch in September 2016................... 47.1%
Q30: Presently, there are local groups opposing the development of a natural gas facility in Burrillville, solar projects in Exeter, a LNG facility in Providence and wind projects in North Kingstown.
Some people say that it is important for local groups to play a role in opposition of projects like these that could be dangerous or harmful to citizens;
Others say that local groups have gone too far to the detriment of the state’s long-term energy needs.
Which statement comes closer to your own view?
Local groups play an important role...... 46%
Local groups have gone too far............. 31%
Not sure................................................. 24%
Q32: The next question is about the total income of YOUR HOUSEHOLD for the PAST 12 MONTHS. Please include your income PLUS the income of all members living in your household (including cohabiting partners and armed forces members living at home).
$50,000 or less.................................... 33%
More $50,000 but less than $75,000..... 18%
More $75,000 but less than $100,000... 16%
More $100,000 but less than $150,000. 13%
$150,000 or more................................ 10%
Q33: What particular ethnic group or nationality - such as English, French, Italian, Irish, Latino, Jewish, African American, and so forth - do you consider yourself a part of or feel closest to?
