RI's Second Most Important Race to be Decided by Less Than 11,000 Votes

RI's Second Most Important Race to be Decided by Less Than 11,000 Votes

The second most important race in Rhode Island this year will most likely be decided by less than 11,000 votes.  

While the race for Governor takes top billing this year statewide, the outcome of Senate District 13 - Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed's seat in Newport and Jamestown -- is gearing up to be a hotly contested battle between the incumbent and newcomer Republican Mike Smith. 

"He's not a racist, he's not a bigot, he's not a sexist, I'm going to give him a shot," said Newport resident Leppy McCarthy of supporting Smith, who has been a staunch opponent of the Newport Grand ballot referendum for table games.  "I'm not anti-casino, I just don't think this proposal for the casino is going to make any money and I don't want it."

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In 2012, Paiva Weed defeated Republican challenger Geoffrey Cooke by 7,757 to 3,283 votes, in a Presidential election year which saw a table games referendum for Newport Grand that was appoved statewide but rejected in Newport, ulitmately proving unsuccessful.  

Table games at Newport Grand will once again be a question on the ballot in 2014, which for the Senate District 13 seat could mean a higher-than-usual turnout in a non-Presidential election year, given what continues to be the highly contentious issue for Newport voters of whether to have a full-fledged casino -- or not -- on Admiral Kalfbus Road. 

Track Record on the Table

If the state's most powerful post is arguably Speaker of the House, Senate President by corollary is the second, in a governing structure in Rhode Island that is dictated primarily by the General Assembly.

First elected to the Senate in 1992, Paiva Weed was elected Senate President by her colleagues in January 2009.  

"I have taken the same approach for every campaign I have run — I ask for every vote and take nothing for granted — so this year is no different," said Paiva Weed.  "I especially enjoy walking the neighborhoods, visiting with old friends and catching up with the new families who have moved in. This year has been no different."

Paiva Weed's campaign website touts her achievements during the past legislative session.  

"Senator Paiva Weed championed the Rhode to Work action plan this year to improve workforce development and better prepare the workers of today and tomorrow for the demands of a modern economy. Rhode to Work is bringing more resources to workforce development. Job training programs will be more effective, and better coordinated so that Rhode Islanders can easily access them and get on the road to work. Education at the secondary level will be better aligned with the needs of today’s businesses."

Smith, a small business owner and father of three, said that what prompted him to run against Paiva Weed was that he was  "worried about the future of our children."

"Paiva Weed's 22 years of leadership have proven unsuccessful with Rhode Island averaging #1 in unemployment for the last 7 years and we are continuously ranked the worst state for small business," said Smith.  "Also the back-room deals which have lead to the casino being put on the ballot against Newport citizen's wishes and the refusal to investigate 38-Studios contributed to my decision to run." 

Smith filed his articles of organization on June 27, just prior to the deadline.  

Casino Factor

In 2012, voters statewide overwhelmingly approved table games at both Twin River and Newport Grand, but in Newport, the local question went down by less than 500 votes. 

Now, the Newport Grand table games referendum is on the ballot once again in 2014 -- and creating similar if not greater controversy, given investors led by former Providence Mayor Joseph Paolino have promised to redevelop Newport Grand and save 175 jobs and create 200 more -- if table games are approved in November.  

However, both Smith, and now Paiva Weed, have now both publicly opposed the ballot measure -- but to varying levels.

"I have consistently stated that I would respect the decision of the Newport City Council. The council made its decision known when it voted to reject the community host agreement, and I cannot support the referendum without a host agreement in place," said Paiva Weed.  "I am concerned about the future of Newport Grand and its employees but I respect the right of the voters of Newport to make their decision on November 4th."

Smith, who has been a vocal anti-casino candidate since the outset, called the Newport Grand question just one of the "big issues" in the campaign.  

"I would call it a tie between the casino and the economy," said Smith.  "However, I feel these issues both tie into a lack of vision and urgency from Paiva Weed which has lead us to ranking #1 in unemployment and #1 worst state for small business."

"My first legislative priority would be to effectively promote Rhode Island as "Open For Business." Hand in hand I would also seek to look at which policies my opponent has done over the last 7-years as Senate President that have directly impacted the demise of small business and our overall economy," said Smith. "I will prioritize effective ways for our community to communicate with both myself and each other. Keeping this conversation alive will be crucial for follow-through. And I plan on making it happen."

Paiva Weed, who is seeking her eleventh re-election bid, said that she is "looking forward to working with a new Governor to continue to grow [the] local economy."

"I am committed to working on issues important to veterans and improving Newport and Jamestown's educational systems," said Paiva Weed. "The issues I have focused on in this campaign include the growth of Newport's defense industry (as evidenced by the recent award of by the innovation hub grant), the growth of the arts industry and our tourism industry. I am proud of my ability to work with local, state and federal officials to bring resources to Newport and grow these important sectors."