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Santorum and Romney Square Off On Felon Disenfranchisement

Rick Santorum asked Mitt Romney point blank: “Do you believe people who were felons, who served their time, who exhausted their parole and probation, should be given the right to vote?”  This was in response to an ad by Romney’s “Super-PAC” attacking the former Pennsylvania senator.

The ad says Mr. Santorum voted to “let convicted felons vote” — something the senator says is “explicitly false” because it implies, though it never says, that he wanted felons to be able to vote from jail. The vote Mr. Santorum cast, Senate vote No. 31 in 2002, would have overridden state laws when it comes to federal elections. It would have required them to let felons register to vote once they have completed their prison sentences and any probation or parole.

Romney, at first, beat around the bush.  “I don’t believe people who have committee violent crimes should be given their right to vote.”

Santorum retorted that, while Romney was governor of Massachusetts, the law allowed people on probation and parole (including those who committed violent crimes) could in fact vote.  And Romney did nothing to fight it.

In fact, until 2000, prisoners in Massachusetts could vote– just as they currently can in Maine and Vermont.

The problem here is about creating and underclass in America, a caste of Americans with no stake in the democracy.  A group, millions strong, who are told to pay taxes, abide by the laws, yet have no representation.  How can  a democracy survive with parents barred from the ballot box?  How can such a large group, with further discrimination in employment and housing, be expected to abide by the law?  Most of them will, and most do, but this is a credit to people’s basic human instinct to live in peace and harmony.  It is not due to political leadership.

Was the Commonwealth of Massachusetts somehow saved when prisoners were barred from participation?  Was the state of Rhode Island somehow dismantled when people on probation and parole were granted their voting rights in 2006?  I was part of the latter ballot campaign, going so far as drafting the final constitutional amendment… just one year removed from prison, for a violent crime.  It is ironic that I move to Louisiana for law school and legally lose my right to vote.  It should come as no surprise that I felt much more connected to the democracy, to my responsibilities as a citizen, in the state where I could vote.

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Philadelphia Freedom: Is This The New Swing Vote?

A coalition of seventeen organizations have recently embarked on a revolutionary voter registration drive, and what better place to be revolutionary than Philadelphia?  The Returning Citizens Voter Movement is directed towards formerly incarcerated people, engaging many more people with felony records who never went to prison, and far more people without records who have a family member in the criminal justice system.  Is this an effort that will be replicated around the nation in 2012?

The goal of 10,000 new registrations may seem overly ambitious, but consider that at any given time, Philadelphia has between 200,000 – 400,000 residents who previously served time in prison.  These are people who have the right to vote, and surely some do, but have collectively never been engaged in the political dialogue of their community.  As Maelissa Gamble, founder of The Time Is Now to Make a Change puts it, “People are tired.  They’re saying, ‘somebody should have done this already.’  And they are not seeing the re-entry resources that get talked about all the time.”

Gamble and other community leaders have been tangling not only with getting people assistance in restructuring their lives, but also in successfully tearing down the barriers that keep people from following their good intentions.  Last year Philadelphia “Banned the Box” and eliminated “Have you ever been convicted from a felony?” from job applications in the city.  It is ironic that the same government allocating funds for rehabilitation/re-entry also has laws that create ever-higher hurdles for people trying to build a life in the community.

With the Pennsylvania Republican Primary on April 24th (the same day as New York, Rhode Island, and Delaware) it will be interesting to see how this specific criminal justice-based civic outreach can be bolstered by the media.  Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum has a history in Philadelphia, and his views on issues may be well known.  Meanwhile, Texas Senator Ron Paul has been an outspoken critic of the Drug War and the massive use of incarceration in America.  With the Texas and Wisconsin primaries on April 3rd, it is possible that Paul’s campaign will have a bounce that reverberates through three weeks of focus on Pennsylvania (a perennial “swing state”).

All but three of the coalition organizations in the voter registration and awareness campaign are led by formerly incarcerated people.  This is part of a concerted effort by the Formerly Incarcerated and Convicted People’s Movement to register one million people across the country, and Philadelphia is leading the way.  One historical dilemma with a broad movement is the creation of factions and the challenge of coalition-building.  Gamble, formerly incarcerated herself, now finds herself in the middle of a group including the Human Rights Coalition, Proyecto Sol Filadelfia, ACLU, Reconstruction Inc., Educational Advocates Reaching Today’s Hardworking Students (EARTHS), and more.

It is often noted that over four million people are disenfranchised due to criminal records, however it should be also noted that there are tens of millions of people who are eligible to vote- people who have been (or still are) impacted by the criminal justice system.  This is an issue-based group, with no party loyalties.  The group is urban and rural, of all skin tones.  And the voices are beginning to be heard.

Politicians will be knocking on doors of “Likely voters” registered to their parties or as “Independents.”  If one is not registered and exercising their vote, there will be no knock, no pandering, no listening.  The coalition will be setting up registration stations all over the city, from grocery stores to community forums, probation offices to social services locations, they will even be registering people currently awaiting trial in the jails. When thousands of voters demand candidates who will call a cease fire in the Drug War, who will re-direct that money into education, to books rather than bars, the pandering will begin.  It is not likely that the GOP will hold an inner city debate with ordinary residents in the audience (these are made-for-TV controlled events); and it is not likely that Rick Santorum, Ron Paul, or Mitt Romney will come looking to do a “Town Hall” session with urban voters… but wait until 2016.  Rebuild it, and they will come.

Maelissa Gamble can be contacted at (215) 834-5165 and mgamblethetimeisnowtomakeachange@yahoo.com

 

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Libby Kimzey Raises Over $13,000 in Twelve Days


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So, for those of you who don’t know, RI Future writer and all around awesome person, Libby Kimzey, is running for House District 8.  She had to delay her announcement until late December due to the contract she was under.  But for the 12 days of December from the 20th to the 31st, she raised almost $14,000 for her campaign.  A strong start for a wonderful candidate.  Here’s the full press statement:

Providence, RI – Libby Kimzey, a first-time candidate for office, raised $13,778.41 in financial contributions between Dec. 20 and Dec. 31, 2011.  “We set an aggressive goal of raising $8,000 by the end of the year, and far surpassed it,” said Kimzey.  “I’ve been overwhelmed by the support of neighbors in the district, friends and family.”

Libby is a candidate for State Representative in District 8, encompassing her neighborhood of Federal Hill, as well as parts of the Olneyville and Valley.

Kimzey currently works as Director of Programs at Capital Good Fund, where she works with low-income families and Rhode Island small businesses on growth and stability.  Kimzey is deeply involved in her local community, participating with organizations including the West Broadway Neighborhood Association, Building Futures, and the Rhode Island Foster Parent Association.

“There are connections between important issues,” Kimzey said.  “Families that are struggling need to be supported as they work on paying for education, gaining health coverage, improving the environment, and planning for a financially sustainable future.”

The success Ms. Kimzey’s campaign has enjoyed in raising over $13,000 in ten days will allow her to communicate directly and effectively with the Providence residents who live in District 8.

“I am looking forward to talking with all my neighbors,” said Kimzey, “I want hear their priorities and concerns, and what they expect of their state government. I will be the accessible, responsive State Representative they deserve.”

Biography

Libby Kimzey currently work as Director of Programs at Capital Good Fund, where she works with low-income families building credit, creating budgets and managing debt, while also issuing loans for citizenship applications and starting small businesses.  Kimzey is deeply involved in her local community, participating with organizations including the West Broadway Neighborhood Association, English For Action, Building Futures, Friends of Dexter Park, Urban Greens Food Cooperative and Rhode Island Foster Parents Association. Although a first time candidate, Ms. Kimzey is not new to the State House.  Over many years, she has been a voice for issues including public transportation, fair taxes and electoral reform, working with groups as diverse as Common Cause and Ocean State Action.

Her past work, like her current employment, reflects her commitment to working for a better future for all Rhode Islanders.  As one example, Kimzey managed ‘Project 20/20,’ a program that placed 71,509 energy saving light bulbs in over 5,300 low-income RI households.

Building off her professional history, she will prioritize several key issues in her campaign, and as a State Representative.  These include: economic development, quality public education, fair taxation, sustainable communities, and accessible and accountable government.

More information can be found at www.libbykimzey.com.

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Nominate YouthBuild Providence


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There’s nothing better than a great cup of coffee, the weekend edition of the NY Times, a barista with a big personality, your weekend sweater, and the comfort of knowing that you did something worthwhile the week before.

Here’s your chance to have it all this weekend … 


Stop by Blue State Coffee (300 Thayer Street, Providence), buy some Joe, and nominate YouthBuild Providence as an innovative non-profit.


The winner receives 2% of Blue State’s annual profits. If we are selected, we will direct Blue State’s annual gift to YouthBuild Providence’s Hardship Fund.

Each year the Hardship Fund supports students by providing direct funding for some of their most basic needs and ongoing challenges:

  • Housing
  • Childcare and Daycare
  • Healthcare, including doctors’ visits and mental health services
  • Food and clothing

Your gift to YouthBuild Providence is an investment in students and a learning community, which has a lifetime impact on each of our youth. By addressing the external issues that often pose extreme obstacles to learning, your support allows our students to return to and remain in the classroom.

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PODCAST: Brian Hull and Reza Rites Discuss the New RIFuture, January 11, 2012 Archive


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by Reza Rites / Venus Sings

Click here to listen to a podcast of Brian Hull talking to me, Reza Clifton, (Reza Rites / Venus Sings) on Sonic Watermelons, a show I produce weekly on Brown Student and Community Radio (www.bsrlive.com).

(PROVIDENCE, RI) RIFuture.org, which was once RI’s number 1 political blog, has relaunched and re-entered the state’s blogosphere (with new voices including mine). Learn more here in a podcast of my interview with the blog’s Senior Editor, Brian Hull, from my January 11, 2012 episode of Sonic Watermelons on BSR, a show presented by Venus Sings and Isis Storm “because the world is a big place, with with big ideas and lots and lots of music.”  Sonic Watermelons airs every Wednesday from 6:00-8:00 PM on Brown Student and Community Radio. Hear it live or archived at www.bsrlive.com, and follow updates at www.VenusSings.com and www.IsisStorm.com.

Click here to listen to my Interview with Brian Hull
 Sonic watermelons 1.11.12 bhull interview by Rezaclif 
 

The mission of Rhode Island’s Future is to foster healthy debate and discussion on various important issues facing the Ocean State.  These issues include, but are not limited to, the economy, unemployment, job creation, budget and taxation issues, education, labor issues, health care, the environment, election campaigns, housing, criminal justice, reproductive rights, and LGBT issues.  The blog is meant to facilitate the free exchange of ideas in a civil and respectful manner.  Questions, suggestions, news stories, or tips for RI Future can be sent to progress@rifuture.org.
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Rethinking the Cicilline and Doherty Race


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With the recent announcement that Loughlin has decided not to run for Congress, I’ve been putting some thought into the upcoming CD1 race between Cicilline and Doherty.  It seems that the campaign has gotten slightly more difficult for Cicilline, but I don’t see it nearly as much of an uphill battle as some others do.  Granted, Doherty will no longer be subject to a primary campaign, but I just couldn’t imagine Loughlin and Doherty being involved in a significantly hostile and antagonistic primary campaign, despite their previous barbs.  The main advantage for Cicilline would have been the Republicans spending their money fighting each other.

Also, even though there has been some speculation about Gemma and Segal jumping in, I can’t imagine either of them being candidates this year, so I think Cicilline won’t have to go through a primary fight either.  Let’s review the circumstances leading up to the 2010 election to explain why:

Some may say this proves that Segal and Gemma have plenty of time to announce, but the situation this time around is different.  CD1 is no longer an open seat; now it is occupied by Rep. David Cicilline.  While Gemma or Segal are still wildcards, and could possibly announce, any Democrat who wants to run a strong challenge against Cicilline probably should be in the race by now.  This is why I think the race will be between Cicilline and Doherty.

And I think Cicilline wins.  Here’s why:

Cicilline’s message will be (and should be): vote for me so Republicans don’t have another seat in the House from which to advocate the destruction of the lives of middle-class Americans.  I know that is hyperbolic, that was my intention, especially considering Obama using the legacy of Republican intransigence as the perfect weapon against Republicans.  Judging by the post Rep. Cicilline submitted to the blog, Standing Together for Progressive Values, he has laid out his main key campaign themes for the election season:

  • Protect Social Security and Medicare from Republicans who want to destroy them
  • Protect the Environment from Republicans who want to destroy it
  • Tax People Fairly to pay for these things that Rhode Islanders actually want (that’s pretty important to remember – Cicilline is talking about things that Rhode Islanders care about)

In contrast, Doherty and the Republican and Conservative groups that will be supporting him will look back on Cicilline’s experience as Mayor of Providence (since he is a freshman Congressman in the minority party, there are no accomplishments in Congress to scrutinize).  They’ll bring up the financial problems facing Providence (ignoring the rest of the country) and blame it all on Cicilline.  But this has already been covered and discussed to death after he was elected, and I’m not sure how much airtime rehashing this theme will get.

Moreover, all we have to do is look to Central Falls, East Providence, West Warwick, and to some extent Pawtucket, and realize that Cicilline didn’t cause all these other problems either.  The financial collapse that has destroyed budgets all over the country, and the notable decisions made at the State House to defund cities and town (including Providence), were all far beyond the control of Cicilline.  Also, in spite of what one might think about the way Mayor Angel Taveras handled the “Category 5 Hurricane” Providence faced last year, he handled it.  I don’t believe there will be the same crisis mode environment this year, and Taveras’s decisions will have largely mollified the degree of panic and anger that was being directed at Cicilline last year, to Cicilline’s benefit.  Politically speaking, it happened too soon for it to be as compelling an issue in November as Doherty and his supporters would like.

Two additional thoughts:

  • Does Loughlin come out and actively support Doherty?  With a campaign account of about $13,000, there’s not much financial support Loughlin could offer, but there must be more than a few names on his email list from the 2010 campaign.  When you read Loughlin’s press statement, he doesn’t even mention Doherty.  I find that strange and wonder if there is resentment stemming from Doherty jumping in the race and stealing Loughlin’s thunder while he was in Iraq.
  • RI redistricting will technically help Cicilline’s victory chances by shifting more “liberal” voters into the CD1 district while moving some “conservative” voters out, but will it come with a backlash of unintended consequence?  Will there be a significant number of voters offended by something that appears to be politically motivated?  I still think the net impact is a positive for Cicilline, but one has to wonder.