Welcome back to The Scoop, the 4 p.m. report on everything politics in Rhode Island – the inside daily report exclusively on GoLocalProv.com.
With the General Election now 27 days away, GoLocal is bringing you the daily campaign updates of note -- who's getting new endorsements, bringing in money, or making big, bold announcements, with all eyes on November 4.
In today's Scoop, Allan Fung hits back at negative ad, RI Dems calls out Fung and Christie on similarities, and State Rep Candidate Sharon Gamba calls for an end to domestic abuse expungements, and more.
The Fung for Governor Campaign responded to a negative advertisement paid for by the American LeaderHership PAC.
“It’s understandable that the Raimondo supporters who bankrolled this fiction have no idea who Mayor Fung really is or his true record of accomplishment, given that they are from Palm Beach, Fifth Avenue, and Hollywood,” noted Fung spokesman, Robert Coupe. “I would encourage them to visit Rhode Island and see firsthand the economic revitalization that Mayor Fung has brought to the City of Cranston, including three straight years without a tax increase, budget surpluses for three consecutive years and more than 1,000 new jobs.“
Peter Baptista, Rhode Island Democratic Party Coordinated Campaign Director, cited the similarities between Allan Fung and Chris Christie, in light of the New Jersey Governor's upcoming trip to RI.
“It’s no surprise that Allan Fung is bringing Chris Christie to campaign for him; Christie seems to be the kind of governor Fung wants to be. They share a cavalier attitude towards credit ratings, and between the two of them they have presided over 9 credit rating downgrades and two scandals. They both oppose raising the minimum wage. Chris Christie's failed leadership is not working for New Jersey, and it isn't going to work for Rhode Island. Allan Fung will make Rhode Island’s economy worse,” said Peter Baptista, Rhode Island Democratic Party Coordinated Campaign Director.
Gamba Calls for Calls for an End to Domestic Abuse Expungements
Sharon Gamba, Republican Candidate for House District 32, is calling for a revamping of the domestic abuse laws in Rhode Island. She wants to: (1) End the ability to have domestic abuse incidents expunged from a person’s criminal records, and (2) Reclassify second domestic abuse violations as felonies. Currently they are considered misdemeanors.
“Sadly, domestic abuse is one of the most hidden and heinous crimes in our society. It is also one of the most underreported and under-prosecuted, for many reasons. It wreaks havoc on its victims, scarring them both physically and emotionally, and preys almost exclusively upon the most vulnerable members of our society; women and children,” stated Gamba.
State Sen. Harold M. Metts, District 6-Providence, has announced his endorsement of Democratic candidate Jorge Elorza in Providence’s Nov. 4 mayoral election.
Metts said, "I have concluded that we need a mayor who can bring all neighborhoods and stakeholders together, with the leadership and vision to move beyond personal agendas and do what is best for our city. That is why I’m supporting Jorge Elorza for Mayor.”
Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor Catherine Taylor was endorsed by Teamsters Local 251.
“I’m thankful for the support of the Teamsters,” said Taylor. “I look forward to working together to implement my plan to build our economy and create good jobs by attracting and retaining new retirees—the crucial customers for our Ocean State economy.”
Independent candidate for General Treasurer Ernie Almonte has received the endorsements of Edward Mazze and Gary Sasse.
Mazze is the Distinguished University Professor of Business Administration at the University of Rhode Island, and Sasse, the Founding Director of the Hassenfeld Institute for Public Leadership Treasurer and former Director of the Rhode Island Department of Administration.
“The next administration faces mounting budget deficits and undetermined repercussions from the outcome of the pending pension lawsuit,” said Mazze. “Rhode Island needs a Treasurer on ‘Day One’ to stabilize our state’s finances and offer direction to our public and private sectors. We cannot wait for a Treasurer, with little or no experience in state finances or accounting, who will be learning on the job.”
"Ernie Almonte understands the Treasurer's responsibility to prudently maximize the return on state investments and oversee state finances," said Sasse. "He has the experience to do the job."
