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

Friday, February 04, 2011

Dan McGowan, GoLocalProv MINDSETTER™

 

Who’s Hot

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Sheldon Whitehouse -> For John Loughlin, John Robitaille or Scott Avedisian. Republicans must be praying Don Carcieri runs for Senate in 2012 because he’s the only member of the GOP that has any chance of matching Senator Whitehouse when it comes to fundraising.

Ken Richardson -> The new Chair of the Democratic City Committee in Providence has the difficult task of making his group relevant in a time where ward committees mean next to nothing (see the Mayor’s race as prime example). As least they’ve got a Web site now. Welcome to the 21st century, Providence Dems!

Patrick Lynch -> Think he won’t run for office again? The former AG still has a huge war chest even after blowing a ton of campaign money on trips all over the country. Don’t be surprised if he’s the Democratic nominee for Governor in 2014.

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George Farrell -> Retiring Providence Fire Chief is, by all accounts, a stand-up guy who worked his way up the ranks to become a great leader. Replacing the 30-year veteran will prove to be difficult.

Jake Bissaillon -> The hardworking former campaign manager for Steven Costantino will make $62k as the Providence City Council’s new Chief of Staff. Which mean drinks at the Salon behind City Hall are most definitely on him.

Gina Raimondo -> The new General Treasurer and rising star in the Democratic party has a difficult task ahead of her, but is there anyone in the state you’d rather have in that position? Kerry King would have moved back to Florida by now.

George Caruolo -> Considering the people Governor Chafee could have named Chair of the Board of Regents, Caruolo actually seems like a pretty good choice. He’s certainly not going to make Commissioner Gist’s job any easier, but something tells me Bob Walsh won’t be inviting him to Christmas dinner either.

Who’s Not

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Providence Budget -> While it was reassuring to hear Mayor Taveras say the city will be able to pay its bills on time, there is no denying that Providence’s financial situation is bleak at best. You have to wonder if he’s sent Congressman Cicilline a “thanks for leaving such a mess” text yet.

Jon Brien -> The DINO who deserted his party and supported a Republican for Congress wants Rhode Islanders to be able to vote on gay marriage. Great idea, sir. Because we all know how well voting on civil rights issues has worked for our country in the past, right?

James Sheehan -> It’s totally understandable why URI can’t come out in support of a bus that chauffeurs around drunken college kids. But having gone to college, Senator Sheehan should know that you’re never going to stop students from drinking. Why not make sure they’re safe?

Frank Caprio -> Anytime the SEC gets involved in state bonds, the last General Treasurer probably deserves to make the Not List. By the way, has anybody seen Mr. Caprio since the end of his disastrous gubernatorial campaign?

GOP -> With all the problems our country is facing, why in the world would any group make redefining rape a priority? If the GOP continues to focus on issues like this, President Obama is going to cruise to reelection in 2012. And chances are he’ll have the House majority again as well.

Cranston -> When will school districts open their eyes and realize that music and sports are incredibly important to the growth of our children? I know it doesn’t fall in line with our test-loving culture, but it’s time our leaders step up and go to bat for extracurriculars.
 

 

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