Presidential Election 2012: Who The Locals Are Supporting

Presidential Election 2012: Who The Locals Are Supporting

The Iowa straw poll is complete and now the presidential race is starting to heat up. But while some local GOP members have been quick to make an endorsement, the majority of Republicans appear to be taking a wait-and-see approach when it comes to supporting a candidate.

The reasons are simple: Some believe it is too early. Others want to see how the field narrows before making a selection. And many say they like more than one candidate, but haven’t fallen for anyone in particular.

But that doesn’t mean everyone is staying quiet. Several prominent leaders have made their choices and GoLocalProv has the breakdown.

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The Romney Crowd

Without question, the candidate with the most early support in Rhode Island is former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney. Largely considered the front runner in the race, Romney is the only candidate that has visited the state so far and may very well be the only one that ends up making more than one trip to the Ocean State.

Romney has managed to gain a loyal following early on in Rhode Island, releasing a list of more than a dozen endorsements from local Republicans, including former Governor Don Carcieri, former U.S. Representative Ron Machtley, former Lieutenant Governor Bernard Jackvony, Senate Minority Leader Dennis Algiere, State Senator Beth Moura, State Senator Christopher Ottiano, State Representative Larry Ehrhardt, State Representative Daniel Reilly, State Representative and RNC National Committeeman Joseph Trillo and Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian.

Carcieri said he supports Romney because of his proven results in Massachusetts.

“As a fellow New England governor, I understand the challenges that Mitt Romney has faced. He was able to turn around the economy in Massachusetts, create jobs, and cut the state’s budget without raising taxes,” Carcieri said. “With his proven record of results as Governor, I know that he is the right man to lead the country at such a critical time.”

GOP Executive Director: I Support Mitt

Carcieri isn’t the only one that has offered words of praise for Romney. Rhode Island GOP Executive Director Patrick Sweeney said Romney is the leader the country needs right now.

"My choice is Governor Romney because America needs a leader and I believe Governor Romney is just the leader that America is craving for. We need an individual that not only has experience in the private sector, but also the public sector,” he said.

Like Carcieri, Sweeney praised the work Romney did as Governor.

“In Massachusetts, the Governor closed a 3 billion dollar deficit, which he turned into a 2 billion dollar surplus, without raising taxes,” he said. “Further, Mitt has created jobs in the private sector and also saved jobs through his involvement with restructuring failing corporate entities. Governor Romney knows that the government doesn't create jobs, the private sector does. He is prepared to give entrepreneurs the necessary tools they need in order to grow our economy and get America back on track."

Hinckley: I Like Three Candidates

Other Rhode Islanders agree that Romney will be difficult to beat in the state, but say they’re interested in other candidates as well. Barry Hinckley, who is challenging Sheldon Whitehouse for Senate in 2012, said he has his eye on three people: Herman Cain, Rick Perry and Romney.

Hinckley said he identifies with Cain, who built his business from the ground up to become one of the most successful pizza chains in the country.

“I’ve liked Herman Cain from the beginning, because he like me is a tax reformer and true business man,” Hinckley said. “He’s not afraid to say it the way it is and tackle the pressing issues that face our country. He’s a product of the private sector like me, not the public sector. “

But Hinckley also said he is intrigued with the Texas governor now that he has thrown his hat in the ring.

“Rick Perry will be an interesting addition and Romney will be a strong contender because he is super smart, run a great organization and at the end of the day he has the experience to fix the problems that face our nation. Those are the three I’m following,” Hinckley said.

Costa Supports Bachman

Nobody was happier to see Congresswoman Michele Bachmann come out victorious in Iowa than State Representative Doreen Costa. The Tea Party member was an early supporter of Bachman and says she has met and spoken with the candidate on several occasions.

Costa has pledged to bring Costa to the Ocean State for a visit and in June, traveled to New Hampshire to cheer her on during a CNN debate.

While Bachman has yet to gain steam in the state, Costa will undoubtedly be the face of her campaign locally. The State Rep. has already organized to bring the Tea Party Express bus tour to Rhode Island, but has said Bachman will not make that trip.

Tea Party Remains Quiet

Some state Tea Party members have said it’s too early to make a decision. Lisa Blais, who oversees the Ocean State Tea Party in Action, said her organization has yet to make a formal endorsement.

But like so many local GOP members, other Tea Party members say they’re still looking for the right candidate.

Chris Caramela, who is quick to say he is an Independent that supports the Tea Party, said he is interested in learning more about Perry and said many candidates have shown flaws that will be difficult to overcome.

“Ron Paul has good ideas but is unelectable,” he said. “Romneycare is going to hang around Mitt’s neck, Bachman is kind of whiney and [Rick] Santorum is too quiet.”

Caramela, who ran unsuccessfully for Pawtucket City Council last year, said he hopes to study Perry more, but he hasn’t selected his candidate yet.

Plenty Of Time

While Romney appears to be the choice of many traditional Republicans and the rest of the state continues to weigh the options, time is on their side.

The race won’t truly heat up for another few months and by then, the field could be significantly shorter, making the decision –at least in theory- a little easier.

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