Gina Raimondo

Young Volunteers Could Loom Large in the Expected Taveras-Raimondo Primary in 2014

Ian Donnis — Thu, 23 May 2013 20:31:44 +0000

The sophisticated grassroots campaign in support of same-sex marriage offers a tangible reminder of the value of field work makes in Rhode Island politics. So as we move closer to an expected Democratic gubernatorial clash between Angel Taveras and Gina Raimondo next year, keep an eye on their level of outreach to young political activists.

Moderate Party's Ken Block Seeks Governorship Again

Ian Donnis — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:10:39 +0000

Moderate Party founder Ken Block has announced that he’ll be a candidate for governor next year. Block calls himself a problem-solver who can move the state forward.

Block thinks he can significantly improve on his showing in 2010, when he got six and a half percent of the vote for governor. He says he’s running because Rhode Island’s problems are abundantly clear.

Almonte Shifts Gears to Run for Treasurer, not Governor

Ian Donnis — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:44:18 +0000

Former state auditor Ernest Almonte has made it official -- after announcing for governor last year and vowing to stay in the race, he's decided to run instead for state treasurer as a Democrat:

Political Roundtable: What's Next for the Superman Building?

Ian Donnis — Fri, 03 May 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Roger Williams University Law School professor Jorge Elorza, a housing court judge in Providence and prospective mayoral candidate, joins the Roundtable this week. We talk about what's next for the Superman Building, growing interest in the 2012 race for treasurer, and debate over investing the state pension fund in hedge funds.

Brett Smiley Exploring A Run for Mayor of Providence

Ian Donnis — Wed, 01 May 2013 15:43:33 +0000

Fundraising specialist and lobbyist Brett Smiley is joining those looking at a run for mayor of Providence if Angel Taveras moves on next year.

"I am seriously exploring a race for mayor in 2014," Smiley tells RIPR. He says he has started meeting with people to talk about a possible run and plans to make a decision this summer about whether to move forward.

Women hold just 30 of 113 seats in the General Assembly

Ian Donnis — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:36:49 +0000

With the YWCA Rhode Island set to hold its fifth annual Women Holding Office celebration this evening at the Kirkbrae Country Club, it's a good time to revisit the under-representation of women in Rhode Island politics.

TGIF: 8 Things to Know About RI Politics + Media

Ian Donnis — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:51:21 +0000

Rhode Island, you do us proud with your ceaseless stream of unexpected political developments. Happy Friday, and welcome back. You're tips and thoughts are always welcome at idonnis (at) ripr (dot) org. Here we go:

1. Former state treasurer Frank Caprio's is on the comeback trail after his gubernatorial campaign melted down in 2010: he's planning to run for treasurer next year, regardless of who else might be in the race.

Frank Caprio "wants another opportunity"; plans to run for treasurer in 2014

Ian Donnis — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:08:44 +0000

Former state Treasurer Frank Caprio, whose gubernatorial campaign imploded in 2010, plans to run for the treasurer's office in 2014, according to his former spokesman, Peter Kerwin.

"I know that he's in," Kerwin says.

TGIF: 12 Things to Know About Rhode Island Politics + Media

Ian Donnis — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:29:53 +0000

With the aftermath of this week's Boston Marathon attack remaining in the forefront of headlines, we're keeping the focus on politics in my Friday column. Thanks for stopping by; as always, your tips and thoughts are welcome at idonnis (at) ripr (dot) org.

Bonus Q+A: Fung Explains Why He's a Republican

Ian Donnis — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Cranston Mayor Allan Fung joins Bonus Q+A to talk about why he's a Republican, his potential race for governor next year, and what Rhode Island should do to improve its economy, among other issues.