Politics

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.

By FLO JONIC

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A major change is coming to the Republican Party of Rhode Island. State chair Giovanni Cicione says he does not want to run for re-election and is seeking someone to replace him.

"As a volunteer, father and business owner, I've got a lot of things pulling on me," he says. "I think four years has been a good run and I'd love to find someone willing to put in the same level of effort and keep the ball rolling because we've got a good thing going on."