Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not in RI Politics?

Friday, September 23, 2011

Dan McGowan, GoLocalProv MINDSETTER™

Who’s Hot

Jack Reed -> Rhode Island’s senior Senator continues to be most popular politician in the state, with 69 percent of registered voted saying they view him favorably, according to the GoLocalProv/Starr Opinion Research Poll. It’s hard not to. He’s never involved in a scandal; he doesn’t take part in the petty bickering between the two parties; and the man brings millions back to the state. What’s not to like?

Elizabeth Roberts -> After all she went through last year with Bob Healey, the Lt. Governor remains well-liked among elected officials. It’s also worth pointing out that she has won decisively in almost every election she’s ever been in. If she runs for Governor in 2014, she could cause serious problems for Governor Chafee.

Gina Raimondo -> It’s nice to see women involved in Rhode Island politics. It’s even nicer to see them doing a better job than the men. The General Treasurer’s star continues to shine among voters, and virtually everyone who follows politics believes she also plans to run for Governor in 2014. It will be interesting to see how voters feel after pension reform.

Michael Solomon -> The Providence City Council President managed to raise a quick $40,000 during a fundraiser this week, adding to a war chest that already had over $50,000 as of the last filing period. If and when he decides to take a shot at higher office (Secretary of State, General Treasurer), Solomon will certainly have no problem matching his opponents dollar for dollar.

Scott Slater -> Of all the state lawmakers you’d expect to propose legislation that would require background checks for all political candidates, the guy who last year supported an initiative that would have banned the conviction check box on job applications might be the last guy on your list. But he’s spot on with this proposal. It will be interesting to see if leadership scrambles to kill the bill.

Senate Republican Caucus -> Kudos to this small group for declining their 1.6 percent this raise this year. It’s not much, but it’s the right move when so many of their constituents are unemployed or underemployed.

John Tassoni -> Congrats to the veteran State Senator, who is stepping down after more than a decade on Smith Hill. It sounds like the race to replace Tassoni is already heating up, with former AG Candidate Stephen Archambault and Bill Hawkins Jr. rumored to be considering running the seat.

Who’s Not

Dan Gordon -> The circus that is State Rep. Dan Gordon continues as he is now a member of the Libertarian party of Rhode Island. Gordon, who is about 15 minutes from running for President, probably needs to resign. Not because of his criminal history, but because he’s causing too much of a distraction at a time when the General Assembly has more important issues to worry about it.

Rhode Island Democrats -> Shame on every Democrat basking in the glory of Gordon’s mess. It’s important to remember that all those Facebook status updates and calls for his resignation will likely come back to haunt you the next time one of your own finds themselves in a difficult spot.

Lincoln Chafee -> On the bright side, the Governor has 45 percent of registered voters saying they have a favorable view of him. Of course, when 47 percent say they have an unfavorable view, it’s a different story.

President Obama -> The President’s numbers continue to sink in Rhode Island, leading many to believe he could be vulnerable in 2012 if the right Republican wins the primary. But that Republican will probably have to be Mitt Romney, because the others are likely too far to the right to win a New England state.

Susan Menard -> After the all the hype about the former Woonsocket Mayor running again, Susan Menard decided to not get involved. Now Leo Fontaine will cruise untouched to reelection, which is just not healthy. It’s good to have challengers and others voices involved. It’s keeps politicians honest.

Nick Narducci -> Was there really no other lawyer that could represent you in bankruptcy than Jim Lombardi, the City Treasurer? The Councilman may have not technically done anything wrong (that remains to be seen) but the appearance of such a conflict of interest should set off alarms.

John A. Leidecker -> The case was totally overblown, but it’s good to see someone get reprimanded for acting like such a fool. He left a huge black eye for members of teachers unions across the state at a time when union support appears to be in the tank.

Providence Schools -> Does anyone find it shameful that the cartoon “Recess” is three times as long as actual recess in Providence schools? You want to know why we have so many fat little kids rolling around? Because they’re only allowed to play kickball for 10 minutes each day.

Got a tip or suggestion? E-Mail Dan McGowan at dmcgowan@golocalprov.com

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Comments:

Buc Kner

7:35am on Friday, September 23, 2011

TODAY GORDO IS JOINED BY MR DOMETIC TRANQUILITY HIMSELF..REP JOHN CARNEVALE..3X..DOMESTIC ASSAULT & HE'S A COP..DISABLED ONE AT THAT

Typical Resident

8:05am on Friday, September 23, 2011

I met Elizabeth Roberts twice, and that woman has ice-water for blood.

Lis Velva

9:58am on Friday, September 23, 2011

Really,the shape this country is in how can you find anyone in any capacity of government weather it be Mayor, Council, or at the Federal level getting 69%....... That number is impossible during good times.

Lance Chappell

10:16am on Friday, September 23, 2011

Unless the pain becomes great enough, these blind bunnies will continue to reach for the tail of the jack ass. They are correct when they say Rhode Island is the blue-est of the blue. They see their tax bills and they got the blues even more so.

john paycheck

10:53am on Friday, September 23, 2011

people in this state have no clue...

reed voted the party line and let banks do whatever they want and then the banks went bust.

unfortunately , people forget or ignore that.

John D Revelator

5:04pm on Friday, September 23, 2011

Tassoni's hot? You must be into Union hacks.

jack flash

5:48pm on Friday, September 23, 2011

Dan Gordon, it is now very clear that you are nothing but a liar and a fraud! YOU EVEN LIED ABOUT YOUR MILITARY SERVICE. Now that you have no credibility it is time to resign and just go away. Gee you haven't been on here lately using your many fake names. Imagine what the police would find if they seized your computer.

joe bernstein

1:37am on Saturday, September 24, 2011

Sen.Reed must bathe in liquid teflon.He took a lot of money from the banking industry while serving on the committee providing oversight on that industry.
It may have been legal but it reeked of bad ethics.
He also apparently spends a lot more money than necessary on flights between DC and RI.
I remember waiting to change planes in Philly back in the late 80's and Sen.Leahy of Vermont was sitting in the regular lounge next to me.
Nice guy,even though I don't agree with him very often.He sure didn't act like a big shot.

Craig O'connor

5:20pm on Sunday, September 25, 2011

Are kids are fat because we give giant subsidies to corn growers, and so all are food is made with corn syrup. If soda actually cost its real price, we'd have a lot less overweight kids. And yes, kids need longer recess, less TV and more riding bikes around.

Michael Gardiner

2:57pm on Monday, September 26, 2011

Actually a 45% favorable is good for Chaffee who only won with 36%. In a three or four way contest, like next time, Roberts or Raimondo,vs one of four possible Republicans and and Ken Block, those numbers work just fine. So...did you think that out?