Gio's election was a foregone conclusion in recent days, therefore not the big news.

The headline should have read: "Grass Roots reject Governor's Hack".

Wojcik may have shot himself in the foot too, for his overdone worship of Patricia Morgan in his speech.

I think Karen will be a stand-out in the GOP leadership and hopefully keep the the grass roots motivated... and the rest of the Governor's sheep in line.

Hi!
I am delighted that Patricia Morgan is no longer State GOP Chair!I do not know Giovanni Cicione so I will refrain from comment here on him.
Karen Salvatore a go getter, former Miss Rhode Island,former D.O.T. Watch Leader,and two time State Rep. candidate coming twice within two hundred votes of Donal Lally will be an impressive figure as a leader.
I was NOT impressed by the laudatory comments about Patricia Morgan but as a courtesy they would be expected but not overdone.A number of us are glad to say the least to see her go!It was LONG overdue!
I hope Dr.Harrop lives as peaceably as possible with the decision of the credentials committee of the state party,I believe it was,that his challenge to the elected State Committee delegates from Providence was unanimously rejected.This was NOT announced last night.I believe these facts are correct.I am not going to post a laundry list of the Providence Republican situation here and I don't know all the issues either.I hope he learns to accept at least for the moment Dave Talan is the Providence Republican Leader.
Regards,
Scott Bill Hirst

did the party do the right thing and bring up winthrop and rogers for their scheme that defrauded republicans all oer the country. what does the new chair and leadership say about this. was jon scott able to bring it up. poor guy he got a royal screwing on 06.

>>did the party do the right thing and bring up winthrop and rogers for their scheme that defrauded republicans all oer the country. what does the new chair and leadership say about this. was jon scott able to bring it up. poor guy he got a royal screwing on 06.

Sure, but they didn't reach the scale of the Democrat Convention, at which Mssrs. Celona, Irons and Montalbano were named co-winners of the annual "Democrat General Assembly Business As Usual Award."

tom w,
i agree with you but two wrongs don't make a right.

>>i agree with you but two wrongs don't make a right.

Agreed!

I just felt compelled to respond - those in the Democrat glass houses shouldn't throw stones ...

I think that we would do best as a party to begin focusing on the future, instead of obsessing over (the many, many) mistakes of the recent past. When you're at rock bottom, the only direction to head is up (Lord willing).

Despite the contentiousness recently regarding the elections, etc., I think we need to give Gio the benefit of the doubt for the time being. We should not hold what may have been done in the past by the previous leadership against him. As long as he expresses a desire to work with the activists and others who still want to work for change within the party, we should respond in kind. In reflecting on the last four years, I was reminded of a quote by a great man (in a much different context), but it just seemed to fit the moment so well: "Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, we're free at last!"

Although it wasn't the most exciting RIGOP convention in memory, there were a few things to note. Certainly, Karen's underdog election as 2nd vice-chair was a positive development for reform-minded folks. We don't necessarily agree on everything politically, but she has an excellent work ethic, and her motives are noble.

I was very pleased with the tone of the governor's speech and with his strong defense of President Bush. I was also very pleased at the governor's positive gestures towards Mayor Laffey and his supporters, in what was a [what at least appeared to me to be a totally spontaneous] attempt to try to promote party unity.

Actually, there was some pretty good "conservative friendly" material in Gio's acceptance speech, which came at towards the end of the night (unfortunately, most of the liberal media folks looked like they had fled by then). Hopefully, Andrew either recorded it or took notes. ;)

Hi!
I talked with Andrew Thursday evening as well as saw Will.
Not only to do have to change players but the script.To command respect it usually has to be given.We have a number of competent and dedicated Republicans who are routinely overlooked.
I think the grass roots need to be strengthened.I think this needs to be done in our smaller and medium size communities where Republicans have a reasonable or possible chance to win.We need also to pay major attention to Cranston and Warwick which of late elects Republican mayors but membership on city councils and state legislative delegations need to be improved.
For the forseeable future places like Providence,Pawtucket,North Providence,Johnston,and Central Falls are not likely to vote Republican unless for a popular high office candidate on the Republican side.
Off the subject two things:
1.Game dinner tonight(March 17TH) free starting at 5:30 PM at Chariho Southern Baptist Church,Route#91 in the Bradford area of Hopkinton,address if you do a map Quest is 80 Alton Bradford Road,Hopkinton,R.I.,.I don't go to this church but this event is popular.They have non game food.The church number is 401-377-4418,.
2.The 250TH Anniversary of Hopkinton,R.I.,is being noted tomorrow(March 18TH).The Governor is expected to come.Starts at 2:00 PM with informal seating with actual opening at 2:15 PM,.Location 2 Town House Road,Hopkinton,R.I.,.This is an old church building.This building houses the Hopkinton Historical association which I am President.This building and the Hopkinton Town Hall across the street will be used for the celebration.Go north on Route#3 after exiting Route#95,.It is a short drive.You can't miss it.Call me with any questions at 401-377-4643,.
Regards,
Scott

The events of Thursday evening were welcomed as it is time for the party to move on. I certainly appreciated Gio's comments on bringing unity to the party and the team he has around him is certainly a capable and, possibly more importantly, very motivated. Say what one will about Patricia Morgan but the fact remains that she did not have a leadership team elected with her of the quality that Gio has. I look forward to the future and a truly united party.

Will,

Was Laffey there?

Tim,

Not only was Laffey there, but he received a raucous ovation from those in attendance when the governor asked him to come up front with the other 2006 GOP candidates. I was pleased with the "unity" gesture.

Actually, I was more surprised that former Senator Chafee missed it. I'm pretty sure I would have noticed him had he been there, as I always make an effort to say "hi." I'm assuming he had an obligation that he couldn't get out of, and that he didn't just "dis" it. I know there were a few folks, such as Rob Manning and Joe White who had taken that week off for vacation.