John DePetro: Will it Be a Summer of Blood in Rhode Island?
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
I enjoyed watching the Channel 12 gubernatorial debate the other night with the six candidates for governor of Rhode Island. The format was a little "game show-ish" with the candidates behind what looked like the same podiums they use on "Jeopardy," but still very entertaining.
The campaign season is still quite like "the calm before the storm." Who will be the first to run a negative ad? Who will begin the process of hammering their opponent down 10 to 15 points? The Rhode Island air-waves have been filled with a guy from Massachusetts named "Tim Cahill," who has been getting crushed by 2 different attack ads that have brought him down 12 points. Much like the casino debate, it is tough to ignore what is working next door in Massachusetts, and negative ads are "in." I for one am hoping it is a summer of blood in Rhode Island, with the dirt and fists flying. Everyone has been polite to this point but as the races take shape, it is a matter of time before the venom hits the air-waves.
Some bruising matches to watch:
Caprio versus Lynch. Harvard versus Brown. Italians versus the Irish. Winner takes all. The problem with going after Attorney General Patrick Lynch is deciding which scandal to highlight. Station nightclub fire? Central Falls? Rhode Island Resource and recovery? Could be tough to choose for the Caprio campaign, but promises to be a blistering attack. Having said that, do not expect Lynch to go quietly. Patrick Lynch could turn into Richard Gere at the end of "An Officer and a Gentleman," crying and screaming at the camera shouting "I got no place else to go!" Since the Lynch campaign's polls have no place to go but up, watch for them to throw the first punch.
Liberals and a plumber or will this be the Year of the Businessman Candidate? Take your pick on the slogan that best captures this four-way Democratic primary battle to win the First District "Kennedy seat." The contest among three of them reminds me of the old game show "To Tell the Truth." "Will the real liberal democrat please stand up"? Lynch (Bill), Cicilline and Segal. The contrast to the career liberal pols has arrived in the form of Gemma, whose candidacy could break new ground if he can persuade primary voters that a background running successful companies in plumbing and media makes him the best equipped to address regional and national fiscal challenges.
Moffitt versus Robitaille. "I'm conservative." "No, I'm more conservative." Not exactly Steve Laffey, but the winner will serve the GOP party proud. I do not expect a lot of bashing here, rather some pointed jabs. Moffit versus Robitille could be more like 2 brothers having an argument over Sunday family dinner.
Enough of the polite chatter gentlemen, it is time to rumble.
John DePetro can be heard weekdays on WPRO from 6 to 10 am.
