Politics

By IAN DONNIS

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – An official portrait of Governor Carcieri is due to be unveiled at 5 pm today. It includes some subtle motifs from his time in office.

Carcieri is leaving office next week after the maximum two terms as governor. State law requires departing governors to remain at the State House - in the form of an official portrait. Artist Harley Bartlett of Hope says a small statue, of a knight on a horse, on the governor's desk refers to the scholastic mascot of his native East Greenwich High School.

By IAN DONNIS

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Two incoming Republican lawmakers say the state should hold runoff elections if a winning candidate gets less than 50 percent of the vote.

By IAN DONNIS

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The state Ethics Commission will consider Tuesday whether to allow a departing state legislator to join the administration of Governor-elect Chafee.

House Finance Chairman Steven Costantino unsuccessfully ran for mayor of Providence this year instead of seeking reelection as a state rep.

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Incoming Gov. Lincoln Chafee is planning what his office says is a frugal inauguration on Jan. 4, featuring Rhode Island's favorite free public arts event, Waterfire.

Chafee's office says Wednesday it recognizes the difficult economic climate and to cut costs, there won't be an inaugural ball. Instead, the five general officers will hold five evening receptions in Providence in restaurants overlooking Waterfire.