Attorney General’s Race Heats Up
Monday, May 03, 2010
One of the most exciting races in Rhode Island's September 14th Democratic Primary will be the race for Attorney General. Current Attorney General Patrick Lynch is term-limited out of running for re-election. There are currently four candidates in the running:
- Steve Archambault, a Smithfield Councilman, Lincoln Prosecutor, Criminal Defense Attorney and former Jamestown Police Officer;
- Joe Fernandez, the former Providence City Solicitor and co-chair of the Obama campaign in Rhode Island;
- Peter Kilmartin, the former House Majority Whip and Pawtucket Police Captain; and
- Robert Rainville, a lobbyist and former probate court judge in West Warwick.
While Kilmartin is clearly the frontrunner in this race due to his leadership in and likely endorsement from the Democratic Party, this four-way race could be won by anyone - especially in light of the anti-incumbent pulse running through the electorate. Here are the latest fundraising numbers based on reports filed with the Board of Elections on Friday:
- Archambault: Raised $141k and has $183k in cash on hand.
- Fernandez: Raised $130k and has $231k in cash on hand.
- Kilmartin: Raised $76k and has $239k in cash on hand.
- Rainville: Yet to report his numbers to the Board although currently has a $0 balance.
“This quarter’s fundraising numbers show that the enthusiasm for Joe Fernandez’s campaign for Attorney General is continuing to grow,” said Fernandez Campaign Manager Dan Herkert. “Joe has demonstrated time and again that he is the one candidate for Attorney General who will lead the charge to change the way this state does business, and these fundraising numbers demonstrate that voters are responding to his message.”
Meanwhile, Peter Kilmartin said that he was "humbled by the outpouring of support that I have received from across the Ocean State" and that "particularly in this difficult economic landscape, it is a great honor to have so many Rhode Islanders join my campaign to protect our economic security, keep our communities safe, and restore trust in government."
The winner of the Democratic Primary will take on Moderate Party candidate Chris Little and Republican party candidate Erik Wallin in the November 2nd General Election.
