I never thought I'd see the day when a candidate cites filing for bankruptcy as a reason why he should be elected to Congress.

It's one thing to have grown up poor or to go into debt because of medical expenses or educational. It's quite another to incur so much debt as to go bankrupt. I'd be interested in knowing what caused his bankruptcy.

Let's hear what Ed Leather has to say.

I never thought I'd see the day when a candidate cites filing for bankruptcy as a reason why he should be elected to Congress.

It's one thing to have grown up poor or to go into debt because of medical expenses or educational. It's quite another to incur so much debt as to go bankrupt. I'd be interested in knowing what caused his bankruptcy.

Let's hear what Ed Leather has to say.

Progressive Republican? Does he mean a Chafee Republican?

I liked this guy when I saw him at the fundraiser Tuesday night.

He seems like a fresh face and the type of person that can defeat Kennedy. I told Dan Yorke two years ago that the best way to defeat Kennedy is to go to Gregg's in Warwick on a Saturday and just talk to people as they came and went.

Kennedy has a stranglehold on the hearts and minds of people in Rhode Island. But, I do believe people are ready for a change if the right candidate comes along.

I don't know if Scott is that person, but I like what I see and would rather a progressive,Chafee, or whatever kind of Republican you want to call him than Kennedy.

RR,

I tend not to make too big a deal about the label a politician chooses to describe himself or herself, so long as the label reasonably matches up with the ideas that the politician espouses. In fact, in general, I prefer the politicians that make some attempt to honestly describe themselves to the politicians that try to convince you that “my ideas are so special they defy labels” (ala John Kerry).

I think Jon Scott gave an answer on what he means by “Progressive Republicanism” that stands on its own merits. In fact, I think he handled describing his ideal of [adjective] Republicanism better than some established politicians in this state have.

Anthony,

Do you see the contradiction you’re presenting in wanting to throw a newcomer over the side for not being perfect at the same time you want Republicans to support the established leadership, even if they disagree with that leadership on almost everything?

It’s supposed to be the Republican Party, not the Republican Cult-of-the-Established-Leadership’s-Personality.

Andrew,
There is no contradiction. I would still vote for Scott or Leather over Patches. I just don't think either can beat Kennedy and I'd rather see a credible candidate challenge Patrick.

If there were a 1st District primary between an electable Republican and a Republican who stood no chance of beating Kennedy, I would vote for the electable Republican. That's consistent with my view on the Senate race.

don, your advice to Dan Yorke is strange because Warwick is in the 2nd Congressional District and very few voters from the 1st District (Burriville to Little Compton/Newport) ever go to Chelo's in Warwick.

I said Gregg's and yes they do...

the point was you've got to attack Kennedy's base.

don, I give you credit for the bold suggestion of having a candidate seek votes outside of their District.

Hmm, maybe Laffey is doing the same thing...campaigning to seek votes in Oklahoma....

I wanted everyone to know that I was contacted by Jon Scott after posting the comment about someone using a bankruptcy as a positive when running for office. He indicated that he had an explanation for it. I say this for two reasons-

1. I thought it was admirable for a candidate to respond directly, so I wanted to give him credit for it; and
2. I think it is important for voters to know, so I'll post the response when I get it. Or maybe Jon can just post it here himself.

Anthony (et al):

Thank you for the debate about my candidacy. There is a bit of faith that I'm asking for from folks at the outset of this. I realize that I am unknown and that I am facing an uphill battle, but anything can happen and I am quite certain that we have put together a plan that will get our message out and give us the name recognition that we need to win this thing in November.

As far as the bankruptcy goes, we believe that it is my weak point and we don't ever want Patches to accuse me of "keeping a dirty little secret" or use the negative against us at a time of his choosing. I am about honesty and the last hurdle that I had to get through before I signed my papers was: Do I want people to know everything about me?

I don't see the bankruptcy as a real issue. About eight years ago, I adopted my son from the DCYF case rolls. He had some behavioral issues and there was an adjustment period. I don't want to dig too deeply into his privacy, but he has given me some sort of cursory approval to discuss the situation.

I made a commitment to him and was willing to go right to the brink of disaster in order to prove to him that he could count on me and that I was not going to abandon him. I had to leave my job for a bit so that I could spend 100% of my time being a father to him. We survived on my savings and a small stipend from DCYF. The bankruptcy was a strategic move to keep a roof over his head because, in the end, I was just paying out more than I was taking in.

In the end we recovered, though I still feel the effects of being behind for a year. He is doing well and, although we are not totally out of the woods, every day is better and he is a permanent part of my family. I am not inclined to discuss it too much but I wanted the truth to be out there.

Thanks for the challenges as well as the kind words. Seek me out. Go to my web site. Get in touch. I look forward to meeting you and to working for you as we better our state and our nation.

JPS

Well said, Jon. I wish you the best in your efforts to send Patrick packing!