Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not in RI Politics?
Friday, October 14, 2011
Who’s Hot
Sheldon Whitehouse -> It might be difficult to get anything done in Washington right now, but Senator Whitehouse certainly knows how to raise cash. After his Republican opponent Barry Hinckley announced a successful fundraising quarter, the first-term incumbent announced he raised more than $500,000 over the last three months. With numbers like those, it’s going to be awfully difficult for Hinckley to raise the national money he needs.
Brendan Doherty -> Another successful fundraising quarter for the first-time Republican candidate for Congress. Obviously the former head of the state police faces an uphill battle within his own party, but he continues to prove he can raise money and with the GOP primary unlikely to be closed, he has to be considered the favorite in the race right now.
David Ciciiline -> The Congressman is deservedly catching some flak for raising money from the same Wall Street banks he is now criticizing, but a fundraising quarter over $200,000 proves plenty of people aren’t too concerned about him right now.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTRhode Island Statewide Coalition -> Kudos to RISC for calling for municipal pensions to be a part of the pension reform discussion moving forward. As so many, including Governor Chafee, have pointed out, there are plenty of cities and towns that are in even worse shape than the state when it comes to their unfunded liabilities. The truth is pension reform won’t be complete until communities solve their problems as well.
Geoffrey Canada -> The inspiring founder of the Harlem Children’s Zone was in town being honored by Family Service of RI this week. No matter where you stand on his strategy, there is no question the man has been successful. Here’s hoping schools, community groups and business leaders can work together and take his model to scale in Providence.
George Zainyeh -> Speaking of Family Service of RI, congrats to this former state legislator and Patrick Kennedy staffer on becoming the organization’s chief strategy officer.
Mitt Romney -> On the heels of receiving arguably the most important endorsement (from Chris Christie) so far, Romney was the clear cut winner in this week’s GOP debate. For a while it seemed as though he was going to allow his status as the favorite to slip away, but the former Massachusetts governor has certainly turned it on in recent weeks.
Who’s Not
Pawtucket -> When your only traditional public high schools make the persistently lowest-achieving list, you’re in a little bit of trouble. It’s no secret Pawtucket is facing an education crisis that rivals both Providence and Central Falls. Hopefully the right intervention will turn the ship around.
EngageRI -> The high-profile pension reform group has certainly received a lot of praise in recent weeks, but, as WPRI first reported, why would you hire a lobbyist that was in House leadership at a time many say all the pension problems started?
Americans Elect -> The group that wants to select the President over the Internet made its way to Rhode Island this week. But here’s a problem with the organization: The same group that wants more transparency from politicians is unwilling to disclose where its $20 million in funding is coming from.
Rachel Arruda -> The former Woonsocket city employee and first court clerk in municipal court is being charged with embezzling nearly $390,000 from the city. This is just another blow for a community that is really struggling right now.
Rick Perry -> Remember just a few weeks ago when Rick Perry was the GOP savior? Now he’s pulling a disappearing act in nearly every debate and has found a way to lose traction quicker than Frank Caprio after the shove it incident.
Michael Corrente -> Really, Mr. Corrente? Throwing your support behind Baby Shacks? Is a movie deal in the works?
If you valued this article, please LIKE GoLocalProv.com on Facebook by clicking HERE.
