NEW: Block Announces Candidacy for Governor in 2014
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Moderate Party of Rhode Island chairman Ken Block announced today he is running for Governor in 2014.
Block, who founded the Moderate Party of Rhode Island and ran as its candidate for Governor in 2010 said this morning he is running --and forming a finance committee.
The e-mail release that went out this morning from the party contained the following announcement:
"Block, who has spent the last few months helping to lead the effort to reform elections in Rhode Island by eliminating the master lever, said the state needs a Governor who is not afraid to use the bully pulpit of the office and who has the experience needed to get things done.
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"Rhode Island is starved for leadership and desperate for a Governor who won't just talk about economic development, but who actually has the skills to do something about it," said Block. "What Rhode Island needs now are elected officials who are motivated not by the status quo, but by the desire to fix what is so broken in our state. The serious problems with our economy and educational system will only be solved with hard work, attention to detail and a dedication to serving the best interests of the majority of Rhode Island's residents."
Realizing that the ability to raise money is going to be an important part of the race, Block said he is in the process of putting together a strong finance committee that will help him compete and get his message out to the voters. "This election must be about who has the skills and vision to lead Rhode Island out of the financial mess we are in," said Block. "It can't come down to a choice between status quo candidates who raise staggering amounts of money from special interests outside of the state, or candidates who are completely bereft of ideas. I intend to run a strong campaign with the vision and ideas necessary to convince voters that I am the best possible choice for fixing our state."
A formal kick off event will be planned in the near future, where Block will introduce his finance team and lay out his campaign platform. The campaign website can be found at: www.blockforgovernor.com"
RI Taxpayers Recognize Block as Outgoing President
The RI Taxpayers organization released the following statement this morning regarding Block's announcement:
"As Ken Block announces his intent to run for Governor of Rhode Island, the RI Taxpayers (RIT) organization is extending its appreciation to him for serving as President of RIT over the past several months. Block, who announced today he is stepping into the race, formally resigned from his post as President of RI Taxpayers late last week.
Ken Block provided energetic advocacy this year on issues related to taxpayer concerns, the state’s business climate, and the need to abolish the master lever in our elections,” states RIT spokesperson Donna Perry. “He is a strong voice for reform on a wide range of issues statewide and as he steps out onto the campaign trail, we are very grateful for the leadership he gave us over the past few months.
RIT founder Harry Staley, who continues to serve as Chairman of the organization, says it is not clear at this time who will take on the role of President going forward. Block had assumed the role of President of the taxpayer organization this past January. RIT is a statewide, non-partisan taxpayer advocacy organization."
