The Scoop: Dad of Taveras Spokesman Donated $3K to Raimondo; More
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Welcome to The Scoop, the 4 p.m. report on everything politics in Rhode Island – the inside daily report exclusively on GoLocalProv.com.
Ernest Baptista's Past Support of Gina Raimondo
Ernest P. Baptista, father of Peter Baptista, who is the finance director and acting spokesman for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Providence Mayor Angel Taveras, has donated $3,250 to Taveras' likely opponent State Treasurer Gina Raimondo, according to the Rhode Island Board of Elections.
Baptista, a Principal of the Gencorp Insurance Group, made four contributions to Raimondo from 2009 through 2012.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe contribution details are as follows:
- $250.00 on 12/31/2009
- $1,000 on 3/26/2010
- $1,000 on 8/12/2011
- $1,000 on 3/28/2012
In regard to the contributions, Baptista told GoLocal, "Gina's been a friend for 15 years," but did not say whether he'd be supporting her in the upcoming election. Baptista added that he knows all the potential 2014 Democratic gubernatorial contenders personally, including Clay Pell, grandson of the late six-term Senator Claiborne Pell.
Interestingly, GoLocal reported on Tuesday that Nicholas L. Pell, a New York investment banker and cousin of potential gubernatorial candidate Pell, has donated $2,250.00 to Raimondo over the last four years.
Baptista's son Peter, who is the co-founder of the Hamilton Group consulting firm, joined the Taveras campaign team in January. Prior to joining Taveras, Baptista served as deputy campaign manager and finance director for Frank Caprio's 2010 run for governor.
2014 Governor's Race
Raimondo has not formally announced whether she will run for governor, but has stated that she will make her decision before the end of the year. Taveras formally announced his candidacy on Monday—becoming the first major Democrat to do so.
The Democratic field also includes declared candidate Todd Giroux, who previously ran for governor in 2010, and Pell, who GoLocal first reported earlier this month is considering a run for governor.
Moderate Party founder Ken Block, who GoLocal reported on Monday would run as a Republican in the 2014 Rhode Island Governor's race, is the only official candidate on the Republican side. Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, is expected to officially announce his candidacy on Monday, Nov. 4.
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