Dee DeQuattro: Pulse on Politics - June 27

Pulse on Politics: Dee DeQuattro's breakdown of who won (and lost) this week in Rhode Island politics

Dee DeQuattro (@DeeDeQuattro)

Like him or hate him Buddy Cianci wins this week. He had the media in the palm of his hand on Wednesday as everyone waited to find out: will he or won’t he run for mayor. In the end he did making national headlines.

Smiley not smiling

Meanwhile Democrat Brett Smiley is not taking the news too well already trading barbs with Cianci in “The Daily Beast.” Cianci’s candidacy is bad news for all the candidates but Smiley needs to pay less attention to Cianci and more to himself. He doesn’t want to be the candidate only known because of his opposition to Cianci. Smiley made gains in the mayoral race over the past few weeks with him clever and unique television ad, now is not the time to back pedal.

A better Republican?

Mayoral candidate Brett Smiley has been quite vocal in his objections to Cianci's candidacy.

Allan Fung wins this week literally as he won the endorsement of the RI Republican Party on Thursday night. Thank God. Maybe now BLUNG (that’s Block and Fung) can stop arguing about who is the better Republican and start arguing about the issues.

A lesson in history

The Block supporters affectionately known as the “Blockheads” shouldn’t be too bent out of shape about the endorsement. Now they can continue to call Fung a political insider, which is a claim that doesn’t seem to be sticking too well right now. Also lets not forget our Rhode Island Republican history. In 2002 former Governor Don Carcieri was not endorsed by the party in his race against Jim Bennett but in the primary he prevailed over Bennett with over 60% of the vote.

Independence Race

Ernie Almonte made a smart political move this week when he decided to file for office as an Independent and not a Democrat. Almonte would have a tough time in a primary against the well known Frank Caprio and the well funded Seth Magaziner. Now, with no Republican in the race Almonte will face off against the Democrat in the General Election. It’s likely to be Almonte vs. Caprio and Almonte will likely benefit from Republican voters and Independents who don’t want to see Caprio back in office.

New faces for the GOP

The Republican Party gets kudos this week. For a party that is often stereotyped as being “anti-woman” they have fielded several strong female candidates for the General Assembly including Sharon Gamba in North Kingstown, Ana Santana in Providence, Lacey McGreevy in South Kingstown, and Lillian Jean Delmonico in District 41.Not to mention the number of women who have gotten involved in the party. The “Girls Just Want to Have Fung” faction were showing their energy Thursday night at the convention. Looks like the face of the GOP might be changing.

Our unemployment rate may be among the nation's worst, but at least we now have an official state appetizer!

Squid pro quo

Squid fans through out Rhode Island win this week as Calamari becomes the official state appetizer and the announcement is made with pomp and circumstance at the town dock in Narragansett today. So, if your hungry this weekend grab some calamari and celebrate one of the successes of the General Assembly.

House-broken

The House of Representatives loses this week. Way to show what a good old boys network it is down on Smith Hill. The House approved a resolution commending Gordon Fox for his years of service to the State of Rhode Island. Because here in Rhode Island we still love you even if your State House Office gets raided by the FBI. I mean seriously, even if you go to jail for five years we don’t mind we might still elect you when you get out.

Even though Rhode Islanders seemingly love corruption in the face of all the 38 Studios controversy commending a guy who is under federal investigation doesn’t seem like the best message to send to the taxpayers. But alas, who on Smith Hill really cares about the taxpayers? They just want to be a part of their elite little club, drink their cocktails, and spend your money.

Happy 238th Birthday!

That said, as we approach the Fourth of July, I want to take a moment to recognize the birthday of this great nation. It’s this great country that gives us these political scenarios to discuss and debate in the matter of public discourse and gives us the power of the pen. It is the men and women who fight for this great nation that protect our freedom everyday. So hats off to them this week and every week. Enjoy your holiday! I’m on hiatus next week but I will be back the week after! Happy Birthday America!


Dee DeQuattro is a WBOB political columnist and reporter for ABC 6 (WLNE).

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