EXCLUSIVE: Feroce Looks at GOP Run for Governor in 2018
Sunday, December 11, 2016
GoLocal has learned that BENRUS CEO Giovanni Feroce is considering a run for Governor of Rhode Island in 2018.
Feroce is one of a number of people potentially interested in taking on Governor Gina Raimondo. Raimondo, Rhode Island’s first female governor, won in 2014 with just over 40 percent of the vote in a three-way race. Since then, she and her administration have been bogged down with a series of miscues and an inability to spark the state economy.
When asked about a potential gubernatorial run, Feroce said, “Given the recent rise in activity and speculation regarding the 2018 Governor's race, it has prompted a flood of outreach from potential supporters encouraging me to take a serious look at it.”
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Feroce helped to grow Alex and Ani into one of the most successful jewelry companies in America. In 2013, Feroce bought the watch brand BENRUS. Feroce, a Republican, served in the General Assembly in the early 1990s, and was a candidate for Lt. Governor in 1994. He lost to Bob Weygand.
“As a lifetime change agent, I understand why people would want me to consider it, but I have some very important business and personal items that require my leadership at this time. I am not sure about everyone else, but the last 24 months have been very difficult to navigate and if it wasn't for my background being on the Crisis Action Team (CAT) at United States Central Command during main efforts of major wars, I could not imagine what life would be like. Fortunately I have some key people that work with me in both life and business,” said Feroce.
In October, Feroce posted to Facebook his attendance at the Republican Governors Association meeting.
He wrote in his post, “"So I'm in Dallas for BENRUS business at AAFES HQs (Army and Air Force Exchange will be carrying our backpacks!, and hopefully someday watches when they are ready). I decided to accept an invitation to a private reception from the RGA (Republican Governors Association), and had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with the following: Governor Mary Fallin of Oklahoma (on the left), Governor Susana Martinez of New Mexico and of course the Governor of Texas, Greg Abbot. Very impressive jobs they are doing in their own rights. Best part is these aren't some quick pic opportunities, they each spent time having a real conversation with me. Good people" #itsabettertime
Timing for a Run
Feroce, Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, Democrat Clay Pell are just some of the names swirling to take on Raimondo. Private polls conducted during the fall election period showed Raimondo with negatives in the 65 to 70 percent range.
“Although I would consider it premature, out of respect to them and my love for the state, I think it is important for me to ensure I approach this conversation as I would everything else, and be comprehensive in my review of the situation and potential opportunity," said Feroce. “I checked the political box 24 years ago as a state senator and don't really have interest in it as a career. If I were to ever run, it would be to execute a 4 to 8 year RI growth strategy that leaves no one behind, with extreme discipline resulting in us being in the top 10 of any state lists in all categories and not the bottom 10.”
Feroce’s entry would create an interesting juxtaposition in the GOP primary. Fung comes off a 2014 run for Governor and an impressive re-election win for Mayor of Cranston in 2016. Fung beat Democrat Michael Sepe 68 percent to 31 percent. The race was expected to be much closer.
“In addition to having great family and friends, I have built a lifetime of important educational, business, military and political relationships on both sides of the aisle. It cannot be about political party, it has to be about Rhode Island and what is best for our state. As far as reserving the domains, I agreed it was a prudent step to ensure no one else stepped in to secure them if I decide to run or not for less than the right reasons. As you know, domains can be redirected anywhere unless you control them,” said Feroce.
When asked about next steps, Feroce said, “I will provide further remarks after the new year.”
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