EXCLUSIVE: Carnevale to Face Challenge From Community Activist in Providence
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Embattled Rhode Island House Finance Vice-Chair John Carnevale will be facing a primary challenge this election season by long-time community activist Lisa Scorpio.
A Providence School Department administrative Executive Assistant and recent Leadership RI alum, Scorpio is looking to beat Carnevale in District 13, running as a Progressive Democrat.
"I was asked by a number of different groups, and I'm going to run with RI Progressives," said Scorpio. "I believe that we need more control on large capacity weapons, stricter gun laws. I've been very active in the community, this is a natural progression."
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTScorpio said that Carnevale -- who is the subject of multiple investigations following a WPRI report calling into question Carnevale's true residency -- "has to go."
"Especially in this district, we should be addressing the problems of the district, not the Rep -- and he has a lot of problems," said Scorpio, who added that the state's tax structure is another issue that she wants to look at.
"Gun control is still my top my issue," said Scorpio. "Too many people are getting murdered on the street, and innocent victims. I have a 19 year-old son and I'm constantly worried sick about him."
Scorpio on Record
“I’ve spent most of my life right here in this community.” said Scorpio. “My grandparents immigrated to Silver Lake in the early 1900’s from Italy and I’ve always felt it was important to live here. To make sure my children thought of this place as home. I’ve worked for years to help this community grow and adapt. I’ve stood arm and arm fighting for the change we need. I’m running now to take that fight to the State House.”
Scorpio said she favors a progressive vision for government. “I believe we need a government that is looking out for the people of Rhode Island. A government that works to make sure our streets are safe, that those who work a full week are not living in poverty, a government that confronts the problems of today," said Scorpio. "We need to pass common sense gun legislation, we need to raise the minimum wage, and we need more than anything to make a real investment in our children and our schools.”
Scorpio said she intends to file her declaration of candidacy on Tuesday.
Related Slideshow: Races to Watch in 2016 - RI Progressive Democrats
Sam Bell, State Director for the Rhode Island Progressive Democrats, ran through a list of races to watch at the GA in 2016. Bell noted that as of June 1, Progressive Dems had yet to make endorsements. "This is just my take and analysis of these races," said Bell.
Bell noted other races as well that weren't on the list.
"Julie Casimiro, because of her positions on certain labor issues and some of her past work on education, but we view her as a real Democrat, we are certainly cheering her on, and some of our members may well help her out," said Bell, who noted it was similar for another Democrat. "Same for Lisa Tomasso, we certainly feel she is the much preferable candidate (to Republican Sherry) Roberts."
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