Tuesday, December 2, 2014

The Messages from Rhode Island

There should be more talk about the Nov. 4, 2014 election result for the Rhode Island governorship.
Incumbent Democratic Governor Lincoln Chafee was eligible to run for re-election for a second term but decided to retire. (He originally was elected as an Independent but switched to the Democrat Party after election.)  In primary elections held on September 9, 2014, the Democrats nominated Rhode Island Treasurer Gina Raimondo--a former venture capitalist--and the Republicans nominated Cranston Mayor Allan Fung. Also on the ballot were Robert J. Healey of the Moderate Party and two Independent candidates. Curt Schilling's start-up defaulted bonds--which the state had underwritten--were a hot debate topic as was Ms. Raimondo's financial background.
The Democrat primary was brutal with three strong candidates; Raimondo was criticized for cutting pension benefits and investing in hedge funds during her tenure as Treasurer and for getting fundraising from Wall Street but she won a plurality. Then she won a plurality in the election, getting 40.7 vs. 36.2 for Fong.
Where did the other votes go? Mr. Healey got 21.4%. Mr. Healey is the founder of the Cool Moose Party which has run various campaigns in Rhode Island. He declined any financing in the campaign and is said to have spent 35 dollars in his bid to be governor.
 Robert J. Healey

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