A State Rep. Called Smiley “Another Back Room Dealing Politician Who Maneuvers and Schemes to Take Care of His Own Interests” - Now He Is Endorsing Him

A State Rep. Called Smiley “Another Back Room Dealing Politician Who Maneuvers and Schemes to Take Care of His Own Interests” - Now He Is Endorsing Him

In July of 2014,  Rhode Island State Representative Ray Hull announced he was endorsing Democratic candidate Brett Smiley for Mayor of Providence.

Hull had served as Providence Mayor Vincent Cianci's driver. Cianci was also running for Mayor in 2014 in a comeback effort after his second felony conviction.

After Hull’s endorsement of Smiley, he served as co-chair of the Smiley campaign alongside Myrth York, former State Senator and Democratic nominee for governor, and Christine West, Chair of the Providence City Plan Commission.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

A GoLocal review in 2014 found that Hull’s endorsement was curious. Later, it would all unravel.

Hull's record as a legislator at that time was that he was one of the top-ranked lawmakers by the National Rifle Association (NRA), he opposed a woman's right to choose, and voted against the legalization of gay marriage.

Hull scored a 92% ranking from the NRA and, in an interview with GoLocal, said he did not support Smiley's funding source for non-violent efforts in his public safety program, a key component to Smiley's campaign. In contrast, while Hull scored a 92% NRA rating for his support of the gun-rights organization, East Side Representative Edith Ajello received a zero score from the NRA.

 

Hull and Smiley Defended the Political Partnership

"Don't ever pigeonhole me, just as I wouldn't ever pigeonhole him (Smiley).  I don't get stuck on any issues.  I always try and meet people halfway," said Hull in 2014.

When asked why Smiley would seek the support of an elected official who opposes the core element of his crime bill and has opposite views to two of the most important social issues (a women's right to chose and gay marriage), "We don't agree on everything, but we agree on the fundamental challenges facing the city, and the crime in the city, and our police force," said Smiley in 2014.  

"I think it says something that my candidacy brings people across several spectrums and agree on what the leadership needed is, and we can agree on moving the city forward," added Smiley at the time.

 

The Smiley-Hull Partnership Did Not Last Long

Just two months later, Smiley withdrew from the race and endorsed Jorge Elorza. The announcement was heavily criticized as an insider deal.

Hull was less than pleased.

Hull said, “Smiley has shown himself to be just another back-room dealing politician who maneuvers and schemes to take care of his own interests. He should be ashamed of himself!”

“I’m going to look at the candidates, their experience, and decide who to support. I want a candidate who is passionate about the future of the city," said Hull.

 

Hull then endorsed Cianci

In October of 2014, Hull was one of twenty-four current and past RI officials who endorsed Cianci.

Cianci said, “The public servants who join me today represent, collectively, hundreds of years of service to our city and our state. This is a gathering of people with an amazing amount of institutional knowledge of our capital city."

“I am honored and proud to have the endorsements of 24 outstanding individuals who are so dedicated to their constituencies, and to Providence. Our common goal is clear: to again make Providence the bright, resourceful, efficient place to live and work so we can restore our sense of pride in a city reborn," continued Cianci.

 

Smiley and Elorza

After the election, Smiley then took a top position with Elorza’s administration as Chief Operating Officer for the City and Elorza hired Smiley’s private consulting firm.

While Smiley was a member of Elorza’s staff and later then-Governor Gina Raimondo’s office, his consulting firm received more than $300,000 in consulting fees. Common Cause and a GoLocal editorial at the time questioned the ethics

 

 

In 2022, Hull Donated to Smiley’s Opponent

According to Rhode Island campaign finance reports, Hull donated $500 to Smiley’s opponent, Gonzalo Cuervo, on September 9, 2022 — just four days before the primary. Smiley won the primary 42%-36% over Cuervo. Nirva LaFortune garnered 22% of the vote.

 

Fast Forward to 2026

Hull is now backing Smiley again, 12 years later.

The State Representative, who is a police officer by vocation, is back on the Smiley team. Hull said, in part, in his endorsement released this week, "I am honored to stand in support of his reelection and alongside him in strengthening the city that we are all proud to call home."