NEW: Former Boston Mayor Ray Flynn Headlines Fundraiser to Launch “Democrats for Doherty”
Monday, June 11, 2012
Former Ambassador to the Vatican and Democratic Mayor of Boston Ray Flynn will headline a fundraiser for Brendan Doherty on June 14th at Patrick’s Pub in Providence. The event will be the official launch of the “Democrats for Doherty” coalition, which is led by prominent Democrats who are supporting Doherty’s campaign for Congress in Rhode Island’s First District.
“Ambassador Flynn and I are longtime friends and I am honored to have him support me in this race,” stated Doherty. “I’ve always admired his ability to bring people of different viewpoints together and encourage discussion in a positive and productive way. I believe that this model of leadership is necessary to forge consensus and develop the common sense solutions that will propel Rhode Island and America forward.”
Ambassador Flynn was the Mayor of Boston from 1984 to 1993, and was appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve as the Ambassador to the Vatican from 1993 to 1997. He was also an All-American basketball player at Providence College and was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award in the 1963 National Invitational Tournament (N.I.T.).
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTJoining Ambassador Flynn at the fundraiser will be the following “Democrats for Doherty” committee members:
Hon. Joanne Giannini (Former RI State Rep. for Providence)
Hon. Charles Baldelli (Former Mayor of Woonsocket)
Hon. Rick Alger (Former Mayor of Cumberland)
Hon. Rolland Grant (Former Mayor of East Providence)
Hon. Richard Bessette (Former Mayor of Central Falls)
Hon. Bonnie Large (Former Cumberland Councilwoman)
Hon. Tony Nobrega (Former Cumberland Councilman)
Hon. Rene Lafayette (Former RI State Rep. for Woonsocket)
Hon. Lowell Kinch (Former RI Senator for Pawtucket)
Hon. Chick Silva (Former Mayor of Central Falls)
Hon. Donald Large (Former RI State Rep. for Cumberland)
Joanne Giannini, who is the chairwoman of “Democrats for Doherty” and a former State Representative from Providence, cited Brendan’s integrity and work ethic as the primary reasons for her support. “As a state representative, I had the opportunity to work with Brendan on numerous occasions and I came to know him as a man of honor and integrity,” said Giannini. “He was a tireless worker and it has always been clear to me that his public service is motivated solely by his desire to do what is right for the people of Rhode Island. That transcends party lines and I am proud to be supporting his candidacy for Congress.”
Doherty expressed gratitude to Giannini and the other members of the “Democrats for Doherty” committee. “I am extremely grateful to have Joanne leading this coalition of Democratic friends and supporters who are willing to stand beside me in my goal to bring leadership back to this important Congressional seat.”
Doherty went on to emphasize that this coalition will help show that this election is about the character of the person that the people will be sending to Washington, not the party affiliation. “It is clear to me that in these hard economic times, Rhode Islanders are tired of the usual politics and they are tired of electing people based on cheap promises and cheaper partisan rhetoric. This election is about character and I have received support from people throughout the district, regardless of their party affiliation. I believe that the name that comes before the letter is more important than the letter that comes after the name. I am happy that this coalition shares that view and will be by my side as I fight to bring common sense and integrity to Washington.”
