As a progressive here in Little Rhodie, the governor's race always poses a problem. We tend to put a GOPer in there as a "balance" to the mainly democratic legislature. Problem being that a lot of those reps are more akin to blue dogs than serious lefties like me would like.
That doesn't stop the almost monotone conservative talk radio in this state for blanket blaming of democrats for all the state's ills.
So with the governor's office coming up for change, let's take a look at who's not the GOP possibility. Join me for a look below the fold...
First, and, I have to disclose, a favorite of mine, is former GOP Senator Lincoln Chafee who is running as an Independent. Former mayor of Warwick and former U.S. Senator before losing to Sheldon Whitehouse, Chafee is one of the few republicans who can be said to be a true conservative fiscally; voting against W.'s tax cuts, for example. Described as a libertarian-leaning liberal, he once said he was a republican because his father was. His positions can be found here. A snapshot:
Embryonic stem cell research could help with many diseases. (Sep 2006)
Leaving abortion to states means only wealthy have choice. (Sep 2006)
Rated 90% by NARAL, indicating a pro-choice voting record. (Dec 2003)
Voted NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006) [note: he does believe this is a state issue.]
Voted YES on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes. (Jun 2002)
Voted YES on loosening restrictions on cell phone wiretapping. (Oct 2001)
Voted YES on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation. (Jun 2000)
Supports spending resources to stop Global Warming. (Sep 2000)
Voted YES on Bush Administration Energy Policy. (Jul 2003)
Voted YES on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade. (Jul 2005)
There's lots more at the link. Essentially, Chafee is a pretty liberal guy. He is strongly against government interferance in personal life, and he is pro-environmentalism, from clean up to increasing public transportation. More of this on his issues page
What he's in hot water for, here in the state, is his approach to getting the finances of RI back into good shape. He wants to expand the sales tax to cover things not currently covered, like OTC medications, clothing, and groceries. The rational is that even a 1% tax on these would raise $90million to assist the state's coffers. He also wants to remove state "unneeded" mandates that depend on the existing or raised property taxes. Democratic Chairman Lynch (also running for governor) is on record as saying:
"[the expanded sales tax] absolutely the wrong way to go"
The other "independent" in the race is Robert Healy. He's running as the Cool Moose Party candidate. When he ran for Lt. Governor last time around, his platform was that he would eliminate his own position. I have met the man and he is charming and very nice and funny. He's also very serious about what often seems to be a silly campaign. From their party platform:
Government by the people includes any method whereby the people have a say in all
facets of governmental activity. While the role of government is best when limited, should there be a public determination of a need to apply government, that application should be vested largely, if not entirely, in the people.
The Cool Moose Party believes in the operation of constitutional government, and as such, we believe that the constitution should be read as literally as practical. We believe changes of great social import be done by amendment rather than by legislation or judicial interpretation. While we do not exclude the constitutional function of judicial
interpretation as a constitutional action, we are more convinced when such an interpretation finds ratification or rejection in the vote of the people.
The lessening of government’s role, and thus, its control over the individual, is paramount. The voices of the people must be heard. We believe that in a democracy, minority interest must be strenuously protected, but we feel that such protection is based on constitutional law. With the government’s role being clearly defined, the government can adequately protect the interests of the minority while maintaining its constitutional integrity.
Essentially, the CMP wants as little government as possible, with what action there is determined by a literal reading of the constitution and amendment of same as opposed to legeslation. That makes them pretty libertarian, but they are also liberal on social issues.
Update [2010-1-13 8:23:22 by thepothole]: I missed a candidate, one Todd Giroux who was kind enough to email me with his site. In his own words:
The only move forward is to protect the economy and people of Rhode Island in every way possible. The new slate of Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State and Treasurer must be aligned and voted into office on one promise to RI Voters regardless of party .. To enforce and protect The Sovereign Rights of our State Constitution in immediate action upon election to stay judgements and claw back homes for consumer protection to homestead without bankruptcy allowing the toxic assets to truely be put aside and dealt with while people have a roof over their head to rebuild their lives. Real property values will stabilize based upon demand. Now is the time to re-establish the value of our community in what we do for our own during this extra extra un-ordinary decline and recession that has existed for almost half a decade.
In my next diary, I will look at the three Democrats currently on file for the primary.