2018 Gov’s Playbook: Raimondo Lands Biden, Brown Fails to Tap Sanders, and Morgan’s Moves

Monday, September 10, 2018

GoLocalProv Political Team

Sanders has yet to endorse Brown, Biden endorses Raimondo

On Saturday, Governor Gina Raimondo's candidacy picked up the endorsement of former Vice President Joe Biden — he is a front-runner for the Democratic nomination in 2020 to face President Donald Trump.

“She has been a champion for working families, expanding the earned income tax credit and raising the minimum wage. Gina has rolled up her sleeves to put people back to work, and by making Rhode Island one of the first states in the country to offer tuition-free community college, she is ensuring that Rhode Islanders will continue to have the tools they need to compete in the 21st century,” said Biden in statement — he did not travel to Rhode Island.

SEE THE FULL PLAYBOOK BELOW

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

What might be bigger news is Matt Brown has not landed the endorsement of Bernie Sanders. Last week, when the Brown campaign was asked why Sanders has not endorsed Matt Brown, spokesperson Juliet Barbara told GoLocal that Sanders does not endorse challengers about sitting Democrats.

On Saturday, Aaron Regunberg -- challenger in the Democratic primary against incumbent Dan McKee -- collected the endorsement of Vermont U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders.

Brown’s campaign did not respond to questions about the inconsistency.

View Larger +

Morgan taps three top Republicans

Morgan’s Momentum

House Minority Leader Patricia Morgan for much of the past year has run a helter-skelter campaign, but the past two weeks she captured a successful strategy by naming-names and outlining specific initiatives to clean-up state government.

First, she announced that she would name former Attorney General Arlene Violet to serve as Inspector General. Then, she announced that Ken Block, former GOP candidate for Governor, would conduct an audit, and then, she announced that she would name former GOP candidate for Governor John Robitaille.

Combined, the three announcements created energy and excitement for the Morgan campaign.

Related Slideshow: 2018 Governor’s Race Playbook - September 10, 2018

View Larger +

Prev Next

Momentum: Up

Patricia Morgan (R)

Wins:

Strong closing strategy by Patricia Morgan. She has controlled the closing argument.

Losses:

Little money to spend on media.

X-Factor: Key factor may be how many vote in the GOP primary.

View Larger +

Prev Next

Momentum:Flat

Allan Fung (R)

Wins:

His tracking polls must show him with a comfortable lead over Patricia Morgan, with a relatively quiet week.

Losses:

Morgan made three announcements tied to three high-profile Republicans.

Perplexing that Fung did not respond.

X-Factor: Is Fung already looking past the primary to the General Election?

View Larger +

Prev Next

Momentum: Flat

Gina Raimondo (D)

Wins:

Raimondo avoided a complete disaster with four of the five South County water districts having had their boil water order removed. Raimondo can't afford to have another governmental failure under her watch going into primary day.

Losses:

Will Raimondo's voters be motivated to get out and vote?

X-Factor: Her closing argument is four more years of Raimondo -- will that resonate?

View Larger +

Prev Next

Momentum: Flat

Matt Brown (D)

Wins:

Brown is pulling out all the stops, but the lack of media dollars is allowing Raimondo to pound him with negative media.

His walk across the state in the final days is a tad contrite.

Losses:

The lack of a Sanders endorsement could be the difference. Needs the strong close to win.

X-Factor: Cha-ching -- PawSox issue may be the winner to build some momentum.

View Larger +

Prev Next

Momentum: Flat

Joe Trillo (I)

Wins:

Trillo announced a school safety program less than 24-hours a Providence child was killed in front of a high school.

"The plan I’ve designed will exponentially increase the safety of Rhode Island schools. A school, a district or the entire state may adopt one, several, or all of the proposed measures I’ve included in my plan. In detail, I’ve laid out what is needed to protect our children during the school day. I ask that parents pay close attention to this plan, as it is designed with them and their children in mind. In my opinion, parents should demand lawmakers implement any or all of the following measures,” Trillo said.

Losses:

Was the announcement too soon after the shooting?

X-Factor: Will Trillo look to win the race after the primary or continue to pummel Fung?