Tagged: 2014 governor's race

We remain stuck in the pit of winter, judging by the forecast for the latest in a string of storms. Yet things are already percolating for our next massive political season, so let's get to it. As always, your thoughts, tips, and reactions are welcome at idonnis (at) ripr (dot) org.

State Treasurer Gina Raimondo is hiring Andrew Roos, an experienced campaign operative who helmed Myrth York's 2002 gubernatorial general election campaign, as her chief of staff, RIPR has learned. The move is the latest signal that Raimondo is very likely to run for governor in 2014.

Raimondo's chief of staff since 2011, Joe Pratt, will reportedly get a different job within her office.

State Treasurer Gina Raimondo lived up to her reputation as a high-flying political fundraiser in 2012, closing the year with an increase of more than $1 million in her campaign account.

Raimondo's Q4 report shows her with a balance of $1,359,191. That's an increase of $1,049,153 from where her campaign account stood ($310,038) at the start of 2012. It also puts her considerably ahead of Providence Mayor Angel Taveras, who closed 2012 with a balance of $413,283 (a gain of $288,148 from the start of the year).

State Senator Donna Nesselbush (D-Pawtucket) joins myself, Scott MacKay and Maureen Moakley on the Roundtable this week as we discuss the outlook for same-sex marriage. Other topics include bipartisan support for immigration reform in the US Senate, the State of the City address by Providence Mayor Angel Taveras and state Treasurer Gina Raimondo's mid-term report.