NEW: Rep-Elect Ascencao to Step Down After Lying About Mailer on Campaign Finance Reports
Wednesday, December 05, 2018
After Rhode Island State Representative-elect Laufton Ascencao (D-68, Warren-Bristol) said he did a "stupid and immature thing" by filing a mock invoice on his campaign finance report -- and telling people he sent a mailer when he didn't -- but that he didn't believe the action was illegal, he announced Wednesday he is stepping down before taking office.
The Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence along the Reform Caucus had both denounced Ascencao's actions on Wednesday.
Ascencao Statement
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTI have spent most of my adult life fighting to improve people’s lives. I’ve given everything I had, whether on political races or on issue campaigns that move working people forward. It has been the joy of my life to do this work. Nothing has ever made me as proud as helping people organize, step up, and make a difference in their communities.
In the last few days, as I have taken time to really reflect on the actions that I deeply regret, I have realized that my personal priorities are no longer what they should be. Viewing the inability to get a political mailer sent in time as a personal failing is a pretty silly way to see the world. Trying to cover it up was a mistake so unnecessary that it’s clear to me that my judgement has become skewed.
Taking the time in recent days to be with the people I love and who love me has only made that clearer. That’s why I’ve decided to not assume my seat as State Representative.
The elected officials I admire most are not those who best promote themselves, but those who never stop thinking about the people they represent. I’ve spoken to lots of the people I hoped to represent and it is clear that, given my mistakes, I cannot represent our shared values at the State House as well as I would want to and as they deserve.
Values to me are not just catch phrases used on a campaign; they are the only good reason to get involved in politics. When an elected official doesn’t live up to those standards, it’s important that the community be able to hold them accountable. I messed up and I need to own that.
I apologize to the voters who gave me their support. I let you down and I will continue to try to make amends even though I am not assuming the position. I hope to live up to the faith you placed in me by continuing to try to make a difference.
My mistakes were my own and does not reflect the passion and commitment of the community members, activists, and leaders I have been proud to work alongside for years. I have complete faith in the future of our state because I know they are involved.
