High Profile Endorsements in 2014 RI Election Campaign

John Robitaille

2010 Republican RI Gubernatorial Nominee 

Endorsement:  Republican Ken Block for RI Governor 

“Ken Block has a clear understanding of the issues affecting Rhode Islanders, and he has a credible plan to improve how the state operates.” said Robitaille.  “Ken’s experience as a job creator and problem solver has served him well in the private sector. This same experience is what we need in a governor to tackle the enormous budget, operational and service issues we face in these difficult economic times.”

Mitt Romney

2012 Republican Presidential Nominee

Endorsement:  Republican Allan Fung for RI Governor

“Allan is a proven leader who will challenge the special interests and shake up the status quo.  As Mayor of Cranston, Allan has an impressive record of results.  He took over a financially-distressed city and turned it into a model of reform,” said Romney in a statement. “He's restructured programs, pared back where necessary and pursued efficiencies and consolidations.”

Brian Newberry

RI House Minority Leader

Endorsement: Ken Block for RI Governor

“As the campaign has transpired it has become clear to me that Ken Block is the best person to take on the Democrats and lead the party to victory in November,” said Newberry.  “Ken has a solid plan to fix our state and I look forward to working with him at the State House.” 

Bill Clinton

42nd President of the United States 

Endorsement:  Seth Magaziner for General Treasurer

Clinton headlined a rally for Magaziner on Aug. 27 at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence

Patrick Kennedy

Former US Congressman (D-RI)

Endorsements:  Angel Taveras for RI Governor; Seth Magaziner for General Treasurer 

On Magaziner:  “I am proud to support Seth, because I know he is the best candidate to move Rhode Island forward,” said Congressman Kennedy. “Not only will Seth bring a steady hand to the state’s finances, he will bring new energy and fresh ideas that will put Rhode Islanders to work and make our state competitive in the 21st century economy.”

On Taveras:   “If we need a model in Rhode Island of what it is that it’s going to take for success, all we need to do is to look at the personal story of Angel Taveras,” said Kennedy. “He’s not someone who has ever had anything handed to him.”

Michael R. Bloomberg

Former New York City Mayor

Hosted fundraiser for Democrat Gina Raimondo for RI Governor

“Gina is one of the most impressive public officials in America today in the mayor’s opinion … he really thinks she’s a superstar.” - Howard Bloomberg, Bloomberg Senior Advisor 

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Rahm Emanuel

Chicago Mayor; Former US Congressman (D-IL); Former White House Chief of Staff to President Obama

Mayor Emanuel hosted a fundraiser for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Raimondo in June 2013 

Myrth York

Three-Time Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate

Endorsement:  Gina Raimondo for RI Governor; Jorge Elorza for Providence Mayor

“I am supporting Gina because she is smart, she is determined and she is incredibly hard working,” York said in a statement. “She understands the challenges and difficulties that Rhode Islanders face every day. And she knows how to bring change – positive, progressive change.”

Colbie Caillet

Pop Singer

Attended volunteer event for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Clay Pell