Rhode Island Politics

The debate was entertaining, but eventually the RI House pushed through a ballot question asking the RI voters to amend [PDF] the RI Constitution to allow a privately owned casino in West Warwick. The Constitution already makes provisions for the public to vote on the expansion of state-operated “lotteries,” but, as was reinforced last summer…

I love this part of Marc’s post: … Michaud also revealed that he was paid $80,000 by Beacon as a consultant and that he was unaware that he should have announced as such when he testified in front of the General Assembly as an expert witness earlier this year. It brings to mind the movie…

Jim Haldeman is a candidate for State Representative in Rhode Island’s 35th district (South Kingstown). Though this will be his first campaign for elected office, it is certainly not his first experience with politics and government…During a seven month period from March — September 2005, [Lt. Col. Haldeman] acted as principle representative of the U.S…

Conventional wisdom holds that voters don’t pay much attention to city council endorsements. Here is an endorsement worth paying attention to: Jim Haldeman, candidate for State Representative in Rhode Island’s 35th district (South Kingstown), has received expressions of support from the city council and the mayor of Fallujah — as in Fallujah, Iraq. Here’s a…

Thomas K. Jones of West Warwick–who lives across the street from Harrah’s proposed casino sight–has done some research and discovered that Harrah’s has entered a competitive bidding process before. The difference in dollar figures is staggering. I am not a legislator with legislative staffers and researchers at my disposal. Yet it took me all of…

It’s not really news when those of us on the conservative side of things think Patrick Kennedy should bow out in light of his most recent shenanigans. Nor is it news when his Democrat enablers praise him for his “bravery” and endorse him for another Congressional run. What is news is when a liberal like…

In the world of blogging, this whole Patrick Kennedy fiasco certainly qualifies as “low hanging fruit.” CNN is reporting that Kennedy is going to enter rehab while the Congressman’s spokesperson says it’s going to be a “significant personal statement.” Meanwhile, we await Congressman Kennedy’s remarks. Liveblogging Kennedy: He realized this past Christmas he was addicted…

“We live in a world where capitalism rules and competition.” So said West Warwick’s Timothy Williamson during yesterday’s House casino hearing. Of course, he was only talking about the small, local, mom-and-pop restaurants and entertainment establishments that would have to duke it out with a casino. Because, you see, Rep. Williamson’s love for the free-market…

As I mentioned earlier, Beacon Board members George Nee and Henry Boeniger are trying to prevent Governor Carcieri from removing them from the board. As luck would have it for Nee and Boeniger, their appeal is being heard by pro-labor (according to Dan Yorke, though Andrew would characterize him as a bit more radical) Judge…