Conservative Group Rolls Out Slate of General Assembly Candidates
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
The Rhode Island Republican Strike Force, a conservative group which aims to get Republicans elected to the General Assembly this fall, unveiled its slate of candidates Monday evening at an event held in East Providence.
The collection of 11 candidates features several first-timers and a handful of Republicans who have run for office in the past.
The complete candidate list is as follows:
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Keith Anderson House District 29
The East Providence school teacher is a challenging first-term Democrat Lisa Tomasso, who won by fewer than ten votes in 2010. Anderson, who has raised just over $5,200 for the race, is widely considered to be the GOP’s best hopes to pick up a General Assembly seat this fall.
Peter Costa Jr. House District 67
The 22-year old Costa is challenging veteran Rep. Jan Malik, who won by less than 300 votes against an Independent candidate in 2010. Republican Costa has not raised any funds to date.
Fred Diel House District 66
Diel, the former President of the Rhode Island chapter of the National Federation of Republican Assemblies is challenging Barrington Rep. Joy Hearn. Rep. Hearn has made headlines recently for introducing legislation that would bar those under 21 from hanging out in nightclubs in Providence and has served in the House for two terms.
John Falkowski House District 23
Falkowski is running for the seat currently held by Warwick Democrat Robert Flaherty. The candidate has roughly $900 in his campaign account.
Jay Forgue Senate District 23
Forgue narrowly lost to Paul Fogarty in 2010 and is challenging him again. The candidate has nearly $3,000 in his campaign account. Fogarty, who spent over $30,000 on the 2010 campaign, currently holds a significant fundraising advantage.
Matthew A. Guerra House District 46
Guerra finished second in a four-way race to Jay O’Grady and is back for a second shot. This race should have at least one Independent and O‘Grady could face a Democratic primary because he voted in favor of pension reform.
Russ Hryzan Senate District 6
The Pfizer employee has dropped $10,000 into his campaign accounts and is challenging Harold Metts. Sen. Metts cruised to victory in his Democratic primary in 2010 and did not have an opponent in the general election
Clay Johnson House District 39
Johnson is challenging progressive favorite Larry Valencia, who barely defeated Republican Michael Picillo in 2010. Valencia will likely have groups such as Ocean State Action help with his campaign in what could be a close battle.
Robert Lancia Senate District 27
Lancia lost races for Senate and City Council, but now he’s running against Hanna Gallo. Sen. Gallo is chairperson of the Senate Education committee and could be a tough out.
John F. Lindholm Senate District 37
Lindholm is challenging Sue Sosnowski, a veteran Democrat with more than $28,000 in her campaign. Lindholm has not actually filed as a candidate yet.
Anthony Mastrostefano House District 74
Mastrostefano is back to challenge Deb Ruggiero after finishing a distant second to her in 2010. His campaign account is still labeled “inactive” right now and he too has not filed as a candidate yet.
