October 3, 2012 – RI Future

October 3, 2012October 3, 2012

Dems Say Doherty Fell Short on Pro-Women Bill

In light of congressional candidate Brendan Doherty’s Women for Doherty rally tonight, the Rhode Island Democratic Party today questioned Doherty for not supporting legislation that would expand and reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. Specifically, the party questions Doherty’s unwillingness to expand and strengthen protections to Native American women, members of the LGBT community and immigrants.

On April 26, the Senate passed the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (S.1925) by a vote of 68-31 that extended protections to Native Americans, undocumented immigrants and members of the LGBT community. Even though thirteen female senators, Republican and Democrat, called upon House Speaker John Boehner to pass the Senate’s legislation, the House GOP passed its own reauthorization that excluded these expanded protections. The VAWA expired without Congress reaching consensus and the Republican-led House left town without passing a strengthened, bipartisan VAWA reauthorization.

In comments published in a Sept. 16 column in the Providence Journal, Doherty would only voice his support for the Violence Against Women Act in its current version, but was unwilling to support legislation to also expand and strengthen protections for Native Americans, immigrants and members of the LGBT community. “If members of Congress want to add protections for people in other walks of life, that’s fine, but submit another bill,” Doherty told the Journal.

“Brendan Doherty talks about being bipartisan and the need to compromise, but with his comments dismissing people ‘in other walks of life,’ he is siding with the Republican right, even though every Republican female senator, among several Republican senators, voted for a bipartisan compromise on this issue,” said Rhode Island Democratic Chairman Ed Pacheco. “We want to send a message to Mr. Doherty that actions speak louder than words.

“As the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence launches their ‘No More’ campaign and given that October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month, now is a great time for Mr. Doherty to clearly explain his reservations about protecting some women, but not all women, from domestic violence,” Pacheco said. “The Democratic Party believes that protection should be extended to all women, and Senate Democrats, along with many Republicans, voted for that this spring. Most Americans understand that domestic violence is domestic violence – period – and it’s not a less important issue for any individual.

“Voters have every reason to be concerned about Mr. Doherty’s position on this important issue,” Pacheco concluded. “Unfortunately, Mr. Doherty has chosen to stand with the House Republican leadership above the needs of victims of domestic violence.”

October 3, 2012October 3, 2012

WJAR: Collins Can Debate Depending on Poll Results

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Depending on the results of a new Brown University poll expected next week, WJAR News Director says it’s likely congressional candidate Abel Collins will be invited to debate the other two candidates for the the second congressional district seat.

“I suspect he will pass our criteria and be invited to our debate,” said WJAR Channel 10 News Director Chris Lanni. He said the criteria includes garnering at least 10 percent support in polls.

Brown University has a poll coming out next week, and Lanni said he expects Collins will meet the mark. In a WPRI poll released earlier this week, Collins 9.2 percent of respondents said they plan to vote for Collins. The poll has a 6.2 percent margin of error. Lanni said margin of error will be factored in with regard to WJAR’s analysis of the Brown poll.

“We are very transparent about our rules for being included in debates,” Lanni said, noting that the criteria was shared with all the campaigns. WPRI, on the other hand, declined to comment on why Collins was not invited to their debate.

Below is WJAR’s criteria for being included in congressional debates:

The candidate must meet all legal and Constitutional requirements for the office he/she seeks.

The office of the Secretary of State must determine the candidate is qualified for placement on the next ballot.

The candidate must be a member of a political party recognized by the state of Rhode Island or an Independent candidate who shows evidence of a credible candidacy. Candidates who lose in the primary election cannot be included in a formal debate before the general election.

Evidence of a credible candidacy must include demonstrated fundraising ability, a structured campaign, and at least 10% support (including the full benefit of the margin of error) among all registered voters who are likely to vote, in the final poll published by Rhode Island College or Brown University, at least three weeks before the debate. NBC 10 will not consider any other polls, for inclusion in formal debates.

Formal debates are special programs produced by NBC 10, usually involving a moderator and structured format. Candidates are invited in writing and the format is provided to them before the debate. Specific questions will not be provided to candidates prior to the debate.

The candidate must agree to abide by all rules concerning the format and conduct of the debate.

NBC 10 and RIC may cancel a debate in their sole journalistic discretion.

All decisions concerning this debate, including but not limited to candidate qualifications, candidate invitations and the interpretation and application of these rules, are within the sole discretion of NBC 10 and RIC and shall be final.

Candidates who would not meet the criteria for formal debates may be included in informal candidate forums on programs such as “10 News Conference” and “Political Roundtable.”

Congressman Jim Langevin said he thinks Collins should participate in debates. Republican candidate Mike Riley declined to comment.

October 3, 2012October 3, 2012

Langevin: Collins Should be Allowed in TV Debates

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In contrast to WPRI, Congressman Jim Langevin thinks his campaign competitor Abel Collins should be allowed to participate in the televised debates, he told me in an interview today.

“All three of us should be debating,” Langevin said. “The voters on election day are going to be confronted with three options. If they aren’t hearing from all three candidates in the debates, it deprives the voters.”

Mike Riley declined to comment on the matter. A campaign staffer said to me, “We don’t make statements to your blog.”

WPRI will hold a televised debate on Tuesday night between Langevin, the incumbent, and Republican candidate Mike Riley, who is largely financing his own campaign. Collins was not invited to participate. WPRI General Manager Jay Howell declined to comment on why Collins wasn’t invited.

Phillipe and Jorge reported last week that they believe WJAR may invite Collins after all. They wrote, “P&J have a feeling that situation may change.

Abel appeared on Channel 10’s News Conference last Sunday by himself, with both Langevin and Riley apparently standing up host Jim Taricani. Reports from those close to the event said that Our Jimmy was less than amused (read: furious), so after Collins’s solo performance, look for a quick JARhead ‘sorry your invitation got lost in the mail’ weaseling.”

Collins has started a petition drive asking WPRI to include him in the WPRI debate.

October 3, 2012October 3, 2012

What’s Wrong with the NK School Committee?

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If you are a close reader of this blog, you are likely aware of the controversy involving the North Kingstown School Committee and the termination of its school custodians. But maybe you are not aware of just how acrimonious the relationships are between the members of the school committee members are themselves. The video clip below is a taste of how dysfunctional this committee has become. If you like, you can see the entire video at the school department website by following this link.

Watching this, one is struck by the absolute disrespect shown to the school committee member who is speaking, Melvoid Benson. Not only does the chair of the committee, Kimberly Page, interrupt her several times, she then allows John Boscardin to unload on Mrs. Benson, a senior citizen, before finally calling a recess. Is it any wonder the workers were treated so poorly when the committee members treat each other this way?

October 3, 2012October 3, 2012

Planned Parethood Protest Women for Doherty Event

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Expect a lot of women at the Westin tomorrow night. Planned Parenthood is putting together a Women Are Watching event outside the downtown hotel to “counter” a Women for Doherty event that will be going on inside.

“Planned Parenthood Votes! Rhode Island wants Rhode Island voters to know whether their legislators have supported women’s health issues, so that they have this critical information when they vote in November,” said Judy Tabar President of PPV!RI in a press release.

The Doherty event was promoted on Craigslist. Both begin at 6:30.

According to the release from Planned Parenthood:

At the rally, Rhode Island women and men will seek Mr. Doherty’s acknowledgement of Congress’ radical movement to restrict women’s health care and to commit to supporting women’s health care and defend Planned Parenthood’s services.

The Women Are Watching campaign aims to educate Rhode Island voters on the positions of 2012 candidates regarding women’s health care issues and to empower women to hold anti-women’s health candidates of either party accountable, and elect pro-women’s health candidates. Planned Parenthood Votes! Rhode Island welcomes new volunteers, activists and members.

The current Republican-led Congress has voted 33 times to repeal the Affordable Care Act which includes many preventative health care benefits for women including equalizing healthcare costs. Republicans have tried to end Title X funding which provides underprivileged women access to cancer screenings, birth control and other reproductive health services. Mr. Doherty supports Mitt Romney who has promised to end co-pay free contraceptives and to defund Planned Parenthood.

The Planned Parenthood Action Fund Federal PAC has endorsed David Cicilline for this Congressional seat, based upon his 100% voting record on issues of women’s health care.

October 3, 2012October 3, 2012

Progress Report: Downside of High Stakes Testing; More WPRI Poll Results; Ann Coulter on RI Voter ID; Patch

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downtown from providence river — Downtown Providence from the Providence River. (Photo by Bob Plain)

Last week we reported that education activists plan to attend Thursday’s Board of Regents meeting to protest new graduation requirements tied to high stakes testing. Today, the Providence Journal reports that “If those rules were already in place, 44 percent of this year’s seniors would be in jeopardy of not receiving a diploma, based on their poor math performance last year on the [NECAPs].”

Proponents of the change say it will help raise the level of education in the Ocean State, while opponents, according to ProJo education writer Jennifer Jordan “say education officials are forcing students to bear the consequences of a failed education system — with disastrous consequences. Without a diploma, young people cannot join the Army, participate in programs such as City Year, or apply to college.”

Speaking of high stakes testing, the Journal also runs this AP story about the El Paso, Texas school district that “was trying to push out hundreds of low-performing sophomores to prevent them from taking accountability tests.”

More WPRI poll results: Gov. Chafee is still unpopular but his approval rating is improving, while Angel Taveras and Gina Raimondo are deadlocked each with 58 percent approval ratings … it’s gonna be an interesting gubernatorial campaign in 2014!!

Did you know conservative pundit Ann Coulter uses Rhode Island as an example when she advocates for voter ID laws. According to Politifact, she told “The View” on Thursday, “One of the first states in the union to pass voter-ID bills was Rhode Island, 85 percent Democratic legislature,” she said. “And who pushed it? A black Democrat in the House, a black Democrat in the Senate. That’s a fact.” It’s true our voter ID law was supported by minority legislators in both chambers but it’s not true that our law was among the first in the country.

Even the gas is better in Massachusetts, or at least cheaper.

I mentioned Patch in yesterday’s Progress Report and it attracted some interesting comments. It’s true that Patch is slashing editorial budgets while increasing the workload on the local editors. It’s also true that many of the local editors don’t place a high value on hard news. One Patch editor told me they don’t even cover their local school committee!! Cranston Patch, on the other hand, does a great job doing real journalism on the community it covers.

Best correction of the day: “The tortoise won its race with the hare in Aesop’s fable about those animals. A clue in Sunday’s crossword puzzle inaccurately described the race’s outcome.”

The first presidential debate is tonight … here’s how the candidates will try to dodge the tough questions.

Today in 1967, the legendary Woodie Guthrie died.

October 3, 2012October 2, 2012

Polls Show Why Few Counted David Cicilline Out

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David Cicilline got some good news when WPRI’s independent poll confirmed what Democratic pollsters had been saying: that he was beating challenger Brendan Doherty in opinion polling.

But the added bonus is that he got to shut up doubting ninnies like me by proving us wrong. Earlier this year, when the polling was especially bleak, I attributed him staying in the race to stubborn pride and a Democratic Party incapable of removing problematic incumbents. While there is a certain amount of ego associated with being a politician, “pride” might’ve been too strong a word. “Confidence in his own abilities,” seems more appropriate (a confidence that outstripped that of many cynics like myself). And the RI Democratic Party’s problems are endemic to political parties that have had many of their functions taken over by government (often for good reason).

It’s too soon for jubilation in the Democratic camp, but for Mr. Cicilline and his supporters (and progressives), the increasingly likely chance that a Republican won’t represent RI’s First Congressional District is a heartening sign that cooler heads have prevailed.

I’ve long said that simply being “against David Cicilline” is not enough to carry the election. Anthony Gemma proved that it was certainly not enough to win a Democratic primary. And Mr. Doherty may soon find that it’s not enough to carry a general election. This is a problem for Mr. Doherty, because when you take away the “I’m not David Cicilline” argument, what does he really have? He’ll be a Republican but not a total Republican. He’ll vote to repeal Obamacare, but only when the Republicans have something to replace it with (don’t hold your breath). The days of “maverick” Republicans are gone: Sarah Palin saw to that. See, no one trusts maverick Republicans. Republicans don’t like them because they don’t always follow party dogma. Democrats dislike them because they follow GOP dogma too often. I seem to remember a Bible passage about how a slave can’t serve two masters.

Another factor which is worth noting is that Mr. Cicilline is a damn fine campaigner. Having worked on a campaign that got our asses handed to us by his operation, I had confidence that his campaign would not slip up; a meeting with his campaign manager Eric Hyers confirmed that the campaign was likewise highly confident in their candidate. But even a good campaigner can run into problems, especially with an albatross like Providence hanging around his neck.

Providence-City-Hall — Providence City Hall

Except, it has not yet really turned out to be an albatross. Certainly the “excellent fiscal condition” misstatement was hammering him hard for a while. But Mr. Cicilline did his act of contrition. Mayor Angel Taveras has pulled the city away from bankruptcy while at the same time publicly supporting our embattled congressman. And then: messenger matters.

Neither Anthony Gemma nor Brendan Doherty could have been/can be convincing bearers of the Providence attack. For one, neither of them live in Providence. Neither were they Cassandras during Mr. Cicilline’s tenure in Providence. The most convincing type of person who could’ve utilized that attack would have to be an opponent from perhaps the Providence city council, who spent the last two years in a higher state office (with part of that being a run for Congress). There is not a politician who fits that description. There’s no one who fits that description.

Furthermore, the Providence argument is problematic. If you’re talking about dishonest politicians alright, but I still think it sounds a bit more cheerleader-y than dishonest. But if the implication is that the way Mr. Cicilline treated Providence’s finances is indicative of the way he’d treat the country’s finances (though a city is not really comparable to a nation for how their economies work), then you get into the deficit and how you bring that down. And everyone in Rhode Island knows the Republican solution: cut everything that doesn’t blow people/things up. I can see why Mr. Doherty is not taking that tact.

The race is by no means over as we head into the final months. I can always be wrong twice (my ardent critics will say “most of the time”). But if you were pessimistic about the chance that a progressive Democrat would retain their hold on the First Congressional District, you can smile now. A bit.