EXCLUSIVE: Watson Speaks Out on His Removal
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Just hours after being ousted as House Minority Leader, Bob Watson tells GoLocalProv that he won't stop being an outspoken voice on the House floor.
The East Greenwich Republican said he will continue to be a “strong and loud voice” for the policies that will move the state in the right direction. “Nothing has changed. I will continue to be that voice. I will continue to bring that message to this floor,” Watson said. “I will continue to fight.”
The vote to remove him came roughly a week and a half after Watson was arrested in Connecticut on DUI and pot possession charges. His small 10-member caucus initially held a vote of confidence, but reversed that earlier today after a barrage of negative feedback from constituents.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTWatson said he is disappointed in the vote taken by his fellow caucus members—but not surprised by the outcome.
“I understand how the political ball bounces,” Watson told GoLocalProv.
Earlier this year, Watson made headlines with a sarcastic remark he made about the state’s priorities. He said: “I suppose if you are a gay man from Guatemala who likes to smoke pot and gamble, you probably think we’re onto some good ideas here.”
Demands for apologies ensued and Watson refused.
Watson, who had served in his leadership post since 1998, said he was proud of his accomplishments as Minority Leader, saying he had made the position more prominent in the public eye. He said he was especially proud of leading the charge for the separation of powers and suing former House Speaker Bill Murphy over what he described as unconstitutional legislative grants.
Asked whether another run for a leadership position was possible in his future, Watson responded: “Stay tuned.”
He added: “Politics is a fluid environment and I rule nothing out.”
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