Rhode Island Politics
Thinking aloud over at The Corner, Ramesh Ponnuru asks, “What do conservatives gain if Chafee wins?” But first he makes a case for conservative retribution against Sen. Chafee: The more I think about it, the more important it seems to me that Steve Laffey beat him in the Rhode Island Senate primary. None of the…
In addition to being the only Republican Senator to vote against the confirmation of now-Justice Alito, Senator Chafee has opposed President Bush and–more often–conservative ideals on the following substantive matters. (All links are to data provided by ProjectVoteSmart. An index of Sen. Chafee’s complete voting record is here). Presidential Appointments: Voted against nomination of Judge…
Back in December, the National Republican Senatorial Committee–in support of Sen. Chafee–decided to try to undermine Steve Laffey’s conservativism by claiming he was really a tax-and-spender. Well, by reading the comments (select “View all comments” at the aforementioned page), you’ll find that a few people have tried to set them straight. Interestingly, the thread is…
What’s this? An upstart group of college students is joining the efforts of a non-mainstream candidate to bring change to Rhode Island. The students are young, hip, and passionate about effecting change in Rhode Island and supporting the candidate who most closely characterizes Republican ideals. The baccalaureate degree candidates call themselves Students for Laffey, and…
Rhode Island soldiers were the first to enter the New Orleans Convention Center after Katrina, with about 100 soldiers for a mission that called for 500. They were “huge heroes from a small state”.
Governor Carcieri proposes reform in four areas… 1. Reform eminent domain! 2. Reform medical malpractice insurance! 3. Pass voter initiative! 4. Reform predatory tax-lien sales! And amending the state constitution to serve the interests of an out-of-state casino corporation would be a “travesty”. (Note: big applause here.)
Governor Carcieri outlines a five-point energy program… 1. Promote conservation. 2. Increase LNG capacity without building facilities in populated areas. 3. Assistance to vulnerable households. 4. Reform the pricing system for electricity. 5. Vigorously pursue alternative energy. Goal of using wind-power to produce 15% of RI energy
Governor Carcieri outlines the state of and his proposals for tax-relief… Lincoln Park and Newport Grand revenues will pay for complete phase-out of the car tax. Must reduce the growth rate of government spending. Pension reform will save $250,000,000 over 5 years. “Big audit” fiscal fitness will save $140,000,000. Proposes the following long-term, structural spending…
Governor Carcieri proposes a single metropolitan school district to include Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls.
Governor Carcieri outlines his proposals for improving innovation and education in Rhode Island… 1. Increase the research capacity of RI universities and increase their ability to attract top scientists. 2. Uprecedented investments in research at URI. 3. Create a science and technology tax-credit. 4. Implement statewide wireless, border to border. 5. Better coordination between primary,…