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November 11, 2005

Levesque Excommunicated by State Republicans

Carroll Andrew Morse

At a meeting of the Rhode Island Republican Party Central Committee (a regular meeting, scheduled before the Dufault/Levesque broadcast), the state Republican Party, unsurprisingly, has disassociated itself as far as is possible from Michael Levesque. From Katherine Gregg’s coverage in the Projo

GOP Chairwoman Patricia Morgan said the resolution, adopted by the Republican State Central Committee, "completely disavows the inflammatory comments and behavior of J. Michael Levesque and specifically states that he is neither a representative of or spokesperson for the Rhode Island Republican Party."
The rules here in Rhode Island don’t allow a political party to actually throw an individual out, but Morgan’s remarks make it clear that the Republicans would if they could…
"He can always register as a Republican, . . . but as far as allowing him to be a spokesman for the Republican Party . . . we've excommunicated him," she said.

Comments

This guy hasn't been a Republican for years. What has he done for the Republican Party in the past 5 years? His only goal has been to make money for himself.

Posted by: Anthony at November 11, 2005 9:27 AM

Anthony,

How many people on the State Central Commitee are real Republicans anyway.
I bet you there is less than than 2 dozen.

Posted by: Fred on the Blog at November 11, 2005 9:29 PM

Anthony & Fred,

I agree with both of you! I was at the RI Republican meeting Thursday night. I was thrilled that the RIGOP finally found a place to draw the line, and to be able to vote for the resolution concerning Mr. Levesque, and his dispicable associations and actions. Part of what has caused the RIGOP to remain consistently weak over time, has been it's refusal to do just that -- take a stand on principle -- and a perception, a largely correct one, that it doesn't stand for anything. Here is a good example where the RI Republican Party has finally just said "enough!" We can still use more of that, but it's a start.

Posted by: Will at November 12, 2005 2:15 AM

Will,

When is it going to sink in at the RIGOP that destroying Gov. Carcieri by any means necessary is what it's all about for the casino lobby and unions?
When does the RIGOP start getting loud and proactive and develop a real public relations wing to counter that?
Guy Dufault has handed the RIGOP a public relations gift on the issue of corruption in Rhode Island.
Why am I convinced the RIGOP will do absolutely nothing with it??
Maybe because that's the pattern of behavior with the RIGOP over and over and over again?
Forget calling a press conference to actually draw the public and media's attention to the impropriety at the BOE, has the RIGOP even bothered to quietly file an ethics complaint against Roger Begin for his improper if not illegal actions in a 2002 campaign commercial case, a case that involves the RIGOP?
The level of rank amateurism with the leadership of the RIGOP is embarrassing and sad.
The RIGOP is one of the biggest reasons why the RI Democratic party gets away with murder year in and year out.
With enemies like the RIGOP to contend with who needs friends??
So so so so pathetic!!

Posted by: Tim at November 12, 2005 8:43 AM

One can be a Neville Chamberlain, or a Winston Churchill.

The RIGOP is a collective Chamberlain -standing for nothing as they equate appeasement with rationality and pragmatism.

As for principles, it seems the only one is "we're not corrupt like the Democrats." But then, that too, must be left publicly unstated.

Posted by: Tom W at November 12, 2005 9:17 AM

in response to Tim:

regarding the BOE case, the RIGOP goal is not to shoot down Begin with 1 year remaining on a 14 yr term, its to dismiss the case against them.

and the RIGOP doesnt need to kick a guy (dufault) while he is down, the democrats are already doing that to themselves. it was a personal attack against the governor, there is no reason for them to respond.

Posted by: Robert at November 14, 2005 9:41 AM

Hi!
The Dufault-Levesque matter cannot be condoned.Both men have already paid a price in business contacts.It will take awhile for them to "bounce back" at least fully in credibilty.However I am surprised that they would have such a discussion in a studio with no doubt technicians and others around that would hear their comments even if it was assumed it was not going to be recorded!It will be interesting where their former clients go to for help.The public MUST INSIST on a "higher plane" for public discourse.Negative campaigning has its place if it has legitimate criticism of one's record.
I for one believe Patricia Morgan should be replaced as Rhode Island GOP State Chair.We Republicans need a more capable person in that role and one that works better with the Rhode Island GOP "rank and file",.Governor Carcieri regrettably the word is intends to keep her in the Chairmanship.It will be interesting how the "grass roots" of Rhode Island Republicanism responds to the retention of her as state GOP chair in what portends to be a difficult year for the Rhode Island GOP.
Regards,
Scott Bill Hirst(Republican)
Member,Hopkinton Town Council,1996-2004;.

Posted by: Scott Bill Hirst at November 15, 2005 12:23 PM

response to Scott: "We Republicans need a more capable person in that role"

I think you should re-phrase that. I am a Republican, no matter what you or anyone says. Not all R's think the way you do. Just because I support the current leadership, does not mean I am not a Republican.

Posted by: Robert at November 15, 2005 3:37 PM