8 Names to Watch for 2014 Governor’s Race
Monday, May 28, 2012
The 2014 Governor’s race is still more than two years away, but with Governor Chafee and General Treasurer Gina Raimondo taking potshots at one another and Ernest Almonte having already thrown his hat in the ring, GoLocalProv takes a look at 8 key names to watch moving forward.
Gina Raimondo
As it stands now, the Treasurer is the likely favorite to be the Democratic nominee for Governor in two years. Raimondo is one of the most popular politicians in the state and is quick compiling a massive campaign war chest that will only grow once people are sure she’s running for the state’s top job.
Still, Raimondo does have her detractors. The liberal faction of the Democratic Party might seek out a more progressive candidate and the unions could still fall behind Governor Chafee in the general election.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTErnest Almonte
The only candidate to officially announce his plans to run in 2014, Almonte is well-respected and has been a leading voice behind the scenes when it comes to municipal pension reform. His task is to convince voters that he was sounding the alarm years ago as auditor general, but his critics will say he didn’t go far enough.
Almonte and Raimondo would seemingly be drawing from the same base, but his early entry might give him an advantage if he can lock up the support of city and town officials and other top Democrats.
Angel Taveras
Like Raimondo, Mayor Taveras’ impressive poll numbers have led to plenty of speculation that he’ll seriously consider a run for Governor in 2014. Although Taveras and Raimondo have taken a similar approach when it comes to fiscal responsibility, it seems as though Taveras has managed to maintain his progressive credentials, which could be vital if he were to lock up with the Treasurer in a primary. The Mayor is also considered a solid potential candidate for Congress.
Elizabeth Roberts
Although she has said she would be unlikely to run against Governor Chafee, it is doubtful that Roberts is ready to completely disappear from the public spotlight yet. The term-limed Lieutenant Governor could be the 2014 version of Myrth York in Democratic primary against Raimondo and Almonte. If she doesn’t decide to take a chance at the top job, Mayor of Cranston could be another option.
John Robitaille
The Republican nearly defeated Lincoln Chafee in 2010 and there is no reason to believe he wouldn’t garner plenty of support in a rematch if he decides to run. The former top Carcieri aide still has a strong support base and could probably convince potential primary challengers that he deserves another chance in the general election – which would allow him to focus on fundraising while the Democrats battle it out in the primary.
Allan Fung
If Robitaille chooses not to run, the Cranston Mayor is viewed as a solid option. In fact, as a popular municipal leader, he might have the most solid credentials of any politician on this list. His problem would be convincing some of the more conservative members of the Party that he isn’t just a Republican in name only.
Brendan Doherty
The current Congressional candidate is proving to be a solid fundraiser and depending on the outcome of his 2012 race, he could be a strong option for the Republicans in two years. If he loses this time around, he may want to jump right back on his horse and he would certainly love to challenge Chafe. If he can win in the 1st District, he’ll instantly become the most successful Republican in the state and would probably be able to convince any potential opponents to bow out if he opted to run for Governor.
Ken Block
The Moderate Party candidate in 2010 received high remarks for his debate skills and his vision, but he was unable to convince enough voters to take a chance on him with more prominent names like Chafee and Caprio on the ballot. But as a solid pro-business candidate, Block has plenty of appeal and would be able to hit the ground running with his campaign.
Dan McGowan can be reached at [email protected].
