Progress Report: RI Is Most Democratic But Not So Liberal; RISC Dumps Don Carcieri; Gamblers Need New Casino

We may be the most bluest state, according to a new study done by Gallup, but keep in mind that distinction doesn’t mean any more than the D after Jon Brien or Doc Corvese’s name on the ballot.

Especially in the northern parts of the state, Rhode Islanders will instinctively vote for Democrats, even if like Brien and Corvese, their politics are more-closely aligned with the GOP. That’s why we call it the Democrats in Name Only.

Speaking of not staying true … it seems that things have gotten so bad for former Gov. Don Carcieri that not even the conservative-leaning Rhode Island Statewide Coalition, which held its annual summer meeting this weekend, is willing to stand behind their former champion anymore.  For the past several years, it gave out an award called the Donald L. Carcieri Award for Good Government. Not this year, though. Wonder what happened?

On Friday I wondered aloud if anyone would be willing to stick up for gay-bashing congressman Allen West who was in town this weekend to raise money for local Republicans. It turns out Michael Riley, running against Jim Langevin, not only supports him but thinks he should run for president. Here’s what West once said about progressives: “I believe there’s about 78 to 81 members of the Democrat Party who are members of the Communist Party. It’s called the Congressional Progressive Caucus.”

Compulsive gamblers better hope Rhode Islanders pass a casino referendum this November … if we don’t, public money for their addictive habit will dry up. So, in other words, the state is only interested in funding gambling cessation programs if we can also make it much easier to gamble…

For the first time Narragansett Beer will be available outside of the East Coast as the 130-year-old lager will now be brewed in Wisconsin as well as the East Coast. Hi, neighbor indeed.

Anyone who cares about Narragansett Bay or the culture of quahogging in the Ocean State should read my friend Ray Huling’s book, which EG Patch did a great feature on. It’s a great read about how we allowed one of the state’s best resources to nearly fall off the map up until they get fried and sold out of a clam shack.

The produce grown at the Charlestown Community Garden goes to help feed the less fortunate in South County.