No, Justin, it is not time for optimism. It is time to call Paul Arpin. Some organizations have the insight and willpower to change without having to go through a deep crisis. Rhode Island isn't one of them. Why stay?

As a native of Rhode Island now living in San Diego, I can tell you the grass isn't always greener. This is a long-time Republican city with so much insider corruption, it's called "Enron By The Sea". I make more here, $76k, but it's not enough to buy that 1913 vintage, 600 square foot, two bedroom on a 30'x 50' lot, with no off-street parking ($539K), so I'm staying in my 1950's vintage, 600 square foot, two bedroom apartment with a space off the alley ($1455/mo). Oh, and our Republican governor is a bodybuilder/actor from Austria. Think about it long and hard.

Fortunately, you will not need to move out of state ... Governor Carcieri won! Yippie! Now I'm going to sleep.

Larry,

I'm curious. If things are so bad in San Diego, why don't you move back to Rhode Island?

As an owner of homes in both Rhode Island and San Diego for an extended period, I can state that things tend to be in economic equilibrium at any given time: greater job opportunities equals higher home prices. It is the trend over time that should be considered. Relatively, things will get worse in Rhode Island (your taxes are not indexed as in San Diego, among other things) so moving makes sense. However, as a region ecomomically booms due to conservative policies, it always attracks a counter cultural influx of those who were forced out of backward areas but have not changed culturally. That seems to be part of what is happening in San Diego at the moment. Hence, moving to the mountain states now rather than Southern California might be a much better long term strategy. Many in California are doing that at present.

Oh, the drama.
I know what it's like to have an election not go my way (it's happened many times, including the gubernatorial race last night). I've never given moving a thought because of the loss of an election. You stay, you fight, you carve out your own niche if you have to.
As long as Don Carcieri is not allowed to infringe on my personal liberties, I can deal with four more years (and Fogarty wouldn't be infringing on yours, either). No one, regardless of ideology, improves their lot in life by being a quitter.

Rhody,

Ever switch employers? If so, why? Or, more specifically, ever jump ship from a company going down the tubes? Or have you no clue about what I just wrote?

I've switched employers, only after making damned sure I was going to a better situation. If you absolutely must leave Rhode Island, make sure you're leaving not just for leaving's sake, but for something you're positive is better - otherwise you end up disappointed and worse off, like Larry did.
It could be worse. You could be in Utah.

RI is the 10th different state/country I've lived in. I know the difference between hamburger and steak.