Politics

By IAN DONNIS

PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Lincoln Chafee signed legislation Wednesday that redraws Rhode Island's legislative and congressional districts for the next 10 years. Republicans say they intend to go to court to challenge part of the plan.

Chafee spokeswoman Christine Hunsinger says the governor signed the bill after he was assured that it was constitutional. She says GOP complaints about changes to a Burrillville House district are "a legislative decision."

By FLO JONIC

PROVIDENCE, RI – Republican congressional candidate Brendan Doherty says his campaign to unseat former Providence mayor David Cicilline will be about character and accountability. Doherty's comments were made to hundreds of volunteers at an election year kick-off breakfast Sunday.

By IAN DONNIS

PROVIDENCE, RI – Providence Mayor Angel Taveras was the top fundraiser among local and state politicians in 2011. That's a surprise since state Treasurer Gina Raimondo is also a leading fundraiser.

As a former venture capitalist, Raimondo has been able to draw on a network of contacts in building an impressive campaign war chest. She's also attracted a lot of national attention while leading the push to overhaul Rhode Island's pension system.

By IAN DONNIS

PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Lincoln Chafee used his State of the State address to make the case for two new tax proposals.

Chafee wants to use a 2% hike in the meal and beverage tax to steer more money to K-12 education. The governor says that an investment in the state that will relieve pressure on property taxes for struggling cities and towns.

By FLO JONIC

PROVIDENCE, RI – Former Governor J. Joseph Garrahy has been laid to rest after a funeral attended by powerful politicians and ordinary citizens. He was remembered as a man who never forgot his humble roots.

The Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul was nearly full for the funeral of former Governor Joe Garrahy, who died last week at the age of 81.

By FLO JONIC

PROVIDENCE, RI – State representative Robert Watson has been summoned to appear in district court this week to answer to a charge of marijuana possession. His arrest a week ago yesterday in South Kingstown was his second drug charge in less than a year. Rhode Island Public Radio headed to East Greenwich to find out what his constituents in East Greenwich think of his brushes with the law.

By FLO JONIC

PROVIDENCE, RI – South Kingstown police say they're conducting an internal investigation into why State Representative Robert Watson wasn't given a sobriety test when he was charged with marijuana possession early Sunday morning. The police report on the incident says he appeared, quote, "highly intoxicated."

By IAN DONNIS

PROVIDENCE, RI – Pressing issues facing the General Assembly in its new session include a budget deficit, troubled local pensions, and struggling cities and towns. Last week, we heard from Senate president Teresa Paiva-Weed and House Speaker Gordon Fox. Today, we hear from Governor Lincoln Chafee, who talked with Rhode Island Public Radio political reporter Ian Donnis about the urgency of helping struggling cities and towns.

By IAN DONNIS

PROVIDENCE, RI – The top issues facing the General Assembly in its new session include a budget deficit, troubled local pensions, and casino gambling. Yesterday, we heard from the president of the Rhode Island Senate, Teresa Paiva-Weed. Today, we talk with House Speaker Gordon Fox, who recently sat down with Rhode Island Public Radio political reporter Ian Donnis.

By IAN DONNIS

PROVIDENCE, RI – The top issues facing the General Assembly in its new session include a budget deficit, troubled local pensions, and casino gambling. Over the next two days, we'll hear from the leaders of the House and the Senate. We start with Senate President Teresa Paiva-Weed, who recently sat down with Rhode Island Public Radio political reporter Ian Donnis.