Rhode Island Politics

A Unique Notion: Previewing Legislation Before It’s Passed

By Justin Katz | May 28, 2010 |

On Wednesday night’s Matt Allen Show, Andrew expressed surprise at the unique notion of attorney general candidate Erik Wallin that he should release his preferred legislation so early that he’s not even in office, yet. Stream by clicking here, or download it.

The RI Public Sector Always Wins

By Justin Katz | May 27, 2010 |

I haven’t had a chance to review all of the substitutes that the RI House Finance Committee made to the governor’s proposed budget, but over on the TCC Web site, I have explained the upshot for school funding in Tiverton. Basically, the General Assembly looks likely to bump up the governor’s school aid number for…

Palumbo’s Political Game with Immigration Reform Bill

By Marc Comtois | May 27, 2010 |

Rep. Peter Palumbo (D-Cranston) gained some kudos from conservatives and immigration reform proponents for submitting an Arizona-like immigration bill. Palumbo further benefited amongst the same group when it was learned that his immigration bill wouldn’t get a hearing because House Speaker Gordon Fox killed the bill (something I commented on myself). In short, the perception…

One Degree of Disconnect

By Marc Comtois | May 25, 2010 |

You grew up with the guy. Went to school together, played sports on the same teams. Went your separate ways after high school, but still saw each other every once in a while. When he ran for the legislature, you didn’t think too hard about voting for him. As you got older and had kids…

A Familiar Drum

By Justin Katz | May 23, 2010 |

I’m keeping up the posting over on the Tiverton Citizens for Change Web site, including the observation that the drum that the Tiverton School Committee beat prior to our financial town meeting are now being played in West Warwick: Sports programs and part-time employees join the list of recommended cuts school officials hope will compensate…

King at the Crowne Tuesday: But What Office is He Running For?

By Monique Chartier | May 21, 2010 |

Kerry King, who ran for Lieutenant Gov in 2006 (handy dandy info courtesy Andrew), sent out the following announcement a couple of hours ago. Kerry King cordially invites you to his announcement for candidacy for a State General office on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 5:30 pm, at the Crowne Plaza Inn, Warwick, RI. King…

Expensive Sheets on That Ghost

By Justin Katz | May 21, 2010 |

Look, I know the effort that goes into writing, and I’ve got no gripe against ghost writers. Truth be told, I generally assume that public figures act more as editors of their prepared speeches than as authors, and if they opt to outsource the writer function, well, nobody expects historic literature from state appointees. But…

The Attorney General Should not be Rewarded with Your Vote: What Dave Kane Will Do with Some of the Station Nightclub Fire Settlement Money

By Monique Chartier | May 19, 2010 |

Dave Kane issued the following press release today. Since yesterday’s announcement about the release of the Station Nightclub Fire settlement money, I have been asked several times what our family plans to do with the money. First, at the risk of sounding like a commercial, “We’re going to Disney world”, Nicky’s favorite place to go…

Greece Is the Way

By Justin Katz | May 17, 2010 |

I’d been intending to highlight Ed Achorn’s column from last week, anyway, but it’s got special significance for me, after Saturday’s vote in Tiverton: See if any of this sounds familiar. In Greece, politicians have duped voters into believing that it is compassionate to run up massive debts, fund unsustainable social programs, punish the work…

Sunday at 6 pm: Your Opportunity to Personally Lobby the Junior Senator from Rhode Island

By Monique Chartier | May 15, 2010 |

As the Ocean State Republican points out, there’s even free food! …With that in mind, I’d like to invite you to bring your family and friends and join me for a free macaroni and meatball community dinner to share your personal story regarding flooding in your neighborhood, and to speak with representatives of FEMA, SBA,…