Thanks to Jim Taricani for having Justin Katz, of the Prosperous Rising wing of the local blogosphere, and me on WJAR’s 10 News Conference this week. We had a good talk about economic development in Rhode Island and whether or not there is a role for government in it; David Cicilline’s reelection campaign and what will define that race; the pre-Paul Ryan POTUS outlook and even a little bit of how we can foster a healthier political debate in Rhode Island.

Here’s the video:

A couple quick thoughts on the show:

• Taricani said Justin and I are “arguably two of the most important bloggers in the state.” I wouldn’t argue that, but I do think we are the two most influential independent and ideological news gatherers/synthesizers around.
• Does Justin really think Anthony Gemma’s campaign is all just a conspiracy to give David Cicilline a good news cycle? I hope not, but it doesn’t bode well for Gemma that his campaign can be confused with a conspiracy theory!
• I said I think the Dems will grab back control of the House. I suppose I should have said they *can win back Congress. They’d need to pick up 25 seats and there are about 50 up for grabs.
• Somewhere Barbara Haynes and Paul Giammarco are cringing listening to all my “ya knows…”