Methinks the days of proclaiming yourself a Republican just to avoid the Democrat primary have come to an end.

Justin and Greg, let me provide an answer to your hypothetical question: NO.

Scott's defection has absolutely nothing to do with ideology. It's more likely the result of the personality driven in-fighting within the House GOP caucus which has nothing to do with RINO's or conservatives. There are conservative and moderates in both camps.

The bigger question is going to be whether any other Republicans legislators are going to follow Scott.

The real loss here is to the Governor, whose efforts to elect enough members tho sustain a veto suffer yet another setback.

I don't know anything about Scott, but my first thought was that he was probably just sick of being in the minority and he thinks he can do more for his consituents as a Democrat. Apparently, that's also the reason he gave. To use a sport's analogy, I'm actually surprised that more Tampa Bay Devil Ray starters (RI GOP members) haven't made a siimilar move and taken more money (powere) to be bench players for the Yankees (RI Democrats).

Scott's not the only one to "jump ship". In the past year, a larger percentage have left the state of RI than any other state except post-Katrina Louisina.

More people than the entire population of Jamestown left Rhode Island in the past year.

Gosh, Anthony, you don't think it has anything to do with the high taxes, generous welfare benefits and mediocre education results conferred on the state by Joe Scott's new party, do you?

Hi!
Brian Scott,Joe's son and I served on the Hopkinton Town Council together.Brian served from 2000 to 2006;and I from 1996 to 2004;.I lost my my last two elections in 2004 and 2006;and Brian the one last month.Brian is Hopkinton Republican Town Committee Chair.I do not know what Brian's political plans are.I have NOT talked to Brian or his father Joe in awhile.I was surprised when I heard the news last night about Joe.
I get along with both Joe and Bob Watson and don't want to get involved in any disagreement they might have between each other.I do not know what will happen with the Rep.Bruce Long situation and his house seat.I like Bruce also.Obvioulsly the Long situation has yet to be fully played out.If he left that would be another seat the GOP may lose.
Joe Scott was supportive of our alternative slate of delegates and alternate delegates at large to the 2004 Republican National Convention. This slate was defeated at the June,2004;Rhode Island Republican State Central Committee "state convention".We lost but I am glad we were able to mount the challenge.Steve Laffey appeared on both slates and his gesture is greatly appreciated by me.At one point Rep.Victor Moffitt,R-Coventry was on our slate until lured away to be on the establishment slate.
Joe Scott although he lost with the rest of us at the state convention ended up going to the national convention as a delegate later on.Moffitt did not attend the national convention.Patricia Morgan gave me a hard time even getting guess passes even though I paid the delegation fee!She is VERY PETTY!
The fact is I along with only one other(Bernard Jackvony) ran as a George W.Bush delegate candidate in the March,2004;Republican Presidential Preference Primaryin the Second Congressional District.
YOU CAN SAY I AM TALKING ABOUT "I" AGAIN!
Regards,
Scott

Hi!
I meant guest passes and to clarify what I meant Bernard Jackvony and I are the only two candidates to run as George W.Bush delegate candidates in BOTH the 2000 and 2004 Republican Presidential Preference Primaries in the Second Congressional District.
There were others that ran twice as delegate candidates for George W.Bush in the First Congessional Distrct in those primaries.
It would be nice ALL delegates and alternate delegates except Super Type Delegates are elected in BOTH party primaries.That way the chance for manipulation by party leaders is substantially reduced!
Regards,
Scott

Scott Bill Hirst. The "Hey! Look at me! I know people!" candidate.

If you drop another name or talk about how great you are in another thread I'm starting the petition to make you go out drinking with Bobby Olivera.

It's become pretty clear that Scott Bill has a very unhealthy obsession with Patricia Morgan. Creepy!
Scott Bill could you possibly follow Benedict Scott and join the Democrats?
Your emasculated whine is that of a liberal.

It's become pretty clear that Tim has a very unhealthy obsession with Laffey. (see other posts) Creepy!

Tim could you possibly follow others and leave the Republican Party...well you say your aren't one anyway.

Your emasculated whine is that of a liberal.

Alienating the base in a state this small and with as few Republicans as it has isn't really a great idea, now is it Scott Bill or Steve Dave or whatever the Hell your name is?

Before you post maybe you should ask yourself "Would I want this published in the paper as attributed to me?"

Hi!
1.I am one of the few on this discussion you actually know my identity.
2.I have represented the GOP as a candidate in many elections.I have five as a GOP candidate,four for Hopkinton Town Council,and one for Voting District Moderator.
3.I have attended my share of GOP conventions/conferences,etc.,.
4.I am a member of my Republican Town Committee;and Secretary and Member of BOTH the 34TH Republican Senatorial Distric Committee and 38TH Republican Reresentative District Committee.
5.While not a Republican event per se,it has a GOP atmosphere,I have been to two Conservative Political Action Conferences http://www.cpac.org ,.
6.Patricia Morgan "record" has been noted by such political experts as Dr.Darrell West.He is certainly more objective than I and perhaps all of us in this discussion.
7.What are those of you which are most,who hide your identity political credentials and involvement?I know Will has some and he is one to watch for the future particularly in the "conservative" wing of the GOP.Young Will is not just talking about his views but acting on them,unlike a lot of political armchair experts!I suspect I know who Tim is?Until he further identifies himself I will not comment on who I think he is! Sorry Will if I hinted at your identity and you did not want it out!
8.Joe Scott was kind to me being on the alternative slate at the 2004 Republican State Central Committee for at-large delegates and alternate delegates.Steve Laffey also was on our slate but was listed on both slates.That these elected Republican officials were kind enough to do this is recognized by me and appreciated.
I get along with Bob Watson and Joe Scott both and don't want to get between a dispute between them.
While I am disappointed in Joe leaving GOP ranks, his treatment by the state GOP establishment in regards to the delegate matter is questionable.Of course room was made for him after the GOP state convention that year for a delegate spot.
9.The GOP in Rhode Island needs to REFLECT on how they treat their own members!
Regards,
Scott

Another exceptional "Look at me!" post by Scott Bill.

Hi!
I sign my name and the press is free to call (401)377-4643 oe e-mail me at scottbillhirst@yahoo.com .Would you who are virtually anonymous do the same?
They can quote my posts but can they do the same with yours and your actual name?
Regards,
Scott Bill Hirst

Hi!
Please call me Scott not Scott Bill.When name fully printed use Scott Bill Hirst.All my names are family names.
Some errors but see Bill-Hirst listing of political families at http://politicalgraveyard.com ,.This needs some additions and corrections.
I may talk about myself, but what do we know about the credentials to speak on political topics from many if not most of you?
Regards,
Scott