Seven Big Surprises So Far in the 2016 Election Season in RI

#1

GOP Chaos

This year had all the makings for a big pick-up by the Rhode Island Republican Party, but to quote Earth Wind and Fire, “Something happened along way.” 

Instead of a robust GOP slate of candidates that would have challenged the Democratic party — who is suffering from Ray Gallison, Anastasia Williams and John Carnevale hangovers — the minority party has been unable to put forth an average -- or even sizeable group -- of candidates.

Maybe the GOP infrastructure should have spent less time of the Presidential primary circuit, less time bickering, less time on the opinion page, and more time rolling up their sleeves and doing the real work of running a minority party.  Recruiting candidates, fundraising and building a technology infrastructure is handwork. Going to the Presidential debate in New Hampshire is fun.

#2

Progressives are Marching

It started with the Bernie Sanders rally at Roger Williams Park before the Democratic Presidential primary — an estimated 7,000+ showed up for the Dem Socialist before he crushed Clinton in RI. 

It was supposed to be the year of the GOP in RI. With angry voters flocking to Donald Trump, Sanders captured the wave of big upsets. The GOP was supposed to be the party that tapped into the dissatisfaction of voters, but in order to capitalize, you have to have credible candidates and a strategy. So far the progressives look to be offering a competitive collection of candidates.

#3

Doreen Costa, is that really your story?

Doreen Costa has been an emerging star for the RI GOP for the past few years. She has been at the forefront of so many battles and has been one of the most energized legislators. Now, she is stepping down at the last moment due to self-inflicted term-limits. 

As part of her announcement, GOP Chair Brandon Bell said, “Doreen can see outside the dome. She was on Smith Hill for the right reasons and now she is moving on to her next commitment to public service."

This is a big loss for the GOP and an unusual story for her exit.

#4

Who is more powerful -- Warren or Barrington?

The Democratic battle for Rep District 67 is looking like a rivalry battle between tony-Barrington and the folks in Warren. Long-time Democratic Representative Jan Malik is being challenged by Jason Kinght who has a base in Barrington. 

On Monday, the Barrington Town Committee voted to endorse Jason Knight for over the incumbent, Representative Jan Malik. “I’m so pleased and thankful to the committee for their endorsement,” stated Knight. “I’m campaigning to bring a new voice to the state house for Warren and Barrington and clearly the committee agreed that it is time for a change.”

Knight continued, “The voters of Warren and Barrington have a choice this year between a conservative incumbent who is anti choice and has enjoyed the support of the NRA or a new voice with real Democratic values who supports ethics reform and knows that we need new and creative ideas to get our economy back on its feet. The committee's vote shows that Barrington is ready turn the page.”  

#5

Carnevale Draws Fire

Representative John Carnevale is out on a disability pension, once was charged with rape, but the woman who filed the charge died unexpectedly before Carnevale went to trial.

His most recent challenge is a law enforcement investigation as to whether he has violated voting laws by living outside his district and voting at a location that he did not live. Now, he faces five opponents: Ramon Perez, Lisa Scorpio, Joshua Beeman, Anthony Defilippo and David Marshall.

#6

GOP Chaos (Part 2)

Speaker Nicholas Mattiello lives in a district in Cranston that Mitt Romney captured 47 percent of the vote in 2012. Thus, it is a competitive district for the GOP, but instead of marshaling their energies and talents they have decided to run two candidates.

Steve Frias, an attorney in Boston and a Providence Journal contributor, is now facing a primary from anti-vaccination activist Shawna Lawton for the GOP nod and the opportunity to face off against the most powerful elected official in RI -- but not from the GOP pespective to replace him.

You would think the GOP could avoid a primary in the most important race in Rhode Island.

#7

The Biggest Ethics Reformer

No one has had more success in the past two decades driving ethics legislation through to adoption than Speaker Nick Mattiello. In his couple of years as Speaker he has overseen the elimination of the Master Lever and the passage of a complete overhaul of the ethics statute.

That transformation now goes before the voters for approval in November.