The Scoop - Napolitano: RIGOP Should Have Raffled A Different Gun

Monday, October 07, 2013

Anthony Faccenda, The Scoop

Napolitano: RI GOP Should Have Raffled A Different Gun

Notwithstanding a great deal of negative publicity—or maybe partly because of it—Sunday’s RI GOP 2nd Amendment Celebration Raffle was a success, according to Michael Napolitano, RI GOP Communications Director.

Napolitano told GoLocal that over $20,000 was raised in event and raffle proceeds. Additionally, roughly 500 people attended the event throughout yesterday.

Despite a great deal of ire expressed by some of Rhode Island’s political leaders over the fact that the event raffled off a AR-15-style assault-style rifle, Napolitano told GoLocal that there were no protestors at the event.

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Last week, numerous state and municipal leaders spoke out against the raffle—including Governor Lincoln Chafee, Attorney General Peter Kilmartin, Providence Mayor Angel Taveras, Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, General Treasurer Gina Raimondo, House Speaker Gordon Fox, Senator Dawson Hodgson, and Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, who recently joined the Republican Party.

When asked if the criticism was warranted, Napolitano told GoLocal that it was a bit over the top, but understandable. “In hindsight, we would have chosen a different firearm to be raffled off,” he added.

Napolitano also told GoLocal that the RI GOP was not trying to make a statement by raffling off an AR-15 rifle at Sunday’s event. “We wanted to make money and make this an attractive event for spectators,” he told GoLocal.

Aside from the AR-15 rifle, the raffle featured two other firearms, as well as over 70 prizes including gift certificates, New England Patriots tickets, gift baskets, and RI GOP apparel.

It’s worth noting that AR-15 rifles are legal to own and that the winner of the raffle has to undergo a background check in order to claim the gun.

Although many of Rhode Island’s leaders have spoken out, GoLocal spoke to two 2014 candidates to get there take as well. Check out their take, as well as other scoops below.

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