On Politics

State GOP chairman Mark Smiley says his party "absolutely" intends to run a candidate against US senator Jack Reed next year.

A few politically active Republicans privately say they consider a challenge against Reed -- or the other Democrats in Rhode Island's congressional delegation -- an utter waste of time. Resources would be better used, they say, in trying to build the 11-member GOP presence in the 113-member General Assembly.

The annual Metcalf Awards for Diversity in Media sponsored by Rhode Island for Community and Justice have been announced. For the third consecutive year, Rhode Island Public Radio has won. This year, RIPR education reporter and Morning Edition host Elisabeth Harrison is a winner. Harrison won for her ongoing series covering minority students in Rhode Island. Other winners include Billy Reynolds, the ProJo’s wonderful sports columnist and one of a very few Ocean State journalists with a well-known national reputation. Reynolds has long been one of the nation’s top basketball writers.

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.

Add Lorne Adrain, businessman, community activist and the former chair of the RI Board of Governors for Higher Education, to the list of those mulling a run for mayor of Providence if Angel Taveras seeks a different office in 2014.

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.