2008 Woodie Awards
Republican party sweeps the state in primary
Sarah Highland
Issue date: 9/21/06 Section: Commentary
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For many Rhode Islanders, Tuesday, Sept. 12, came and went as another busy day with little substance, significance, or consequence. However, some of us have been working all summer, possibly even all year, for this day. Millions of dollars were poured into this day.
Whether from geographic absence or apathy, the vast majority of the Providence College population missed this hype. For those of us penetrated by this political charge, September 12 could not come soon enough. With record turnout of 63,459 voters in the Rhode Island Republican primary, the results of the Sept. 12 election paved the way for Republican victory in November. According to Cranston Mayor Stephen Laffey, "The smallest state in the Union can have the largest voice." While I doubted Laffey's ability to take that to the U.S. Senate, I do not doubt that the voice of this small state will be amplified even more throughout the next two months.
Rhode Island's Republican primary had temporary divisive implications for the party, yet the electorate was able to pull through in choosing the right candidates to represent the Republicans in November. Providence saw the first Republican mayoral primary in 35 years between the party's endorsed candidate, Dr. Daniel S. Harrop, and the Republican City Committee Chair, David Talan. Harrop swept 63.5 percent of the vote over Talan. Republicans Jonathan Scott and Edmund Leather battled over who will oppose incumbent Congressman Patrick Kennedy. Jon Scott, the endorsed candidate, claimed victory with 69-percent of the vote. Lt. Gov. candidate Kerry King faced an uphill battle when Rhode Island's former Adjutant General, Reginald Centracchio, joined the race in June. Centracchio's 67-percent win combined with claiming victory over every town in Rhode Island positioned him quite nicely for the general election. Last but not least, how could we forget the battle between U.S. Senator Lincoln Chafee, and Laffey for the U.S. Senate? Chafee's 54-percent victory over Laffey is a testament not only to his honest, independent leadership, but also to the intricate network of national politics with which Laffey could not compete.
Whether from geographic absence or apathy, the vast majority of the Providence College population missed this hype. For those of us penetrated by this political charge, September 12 could not come soon enough. With record turnout of 63,459 voters in the Rhode Island Republican primary, the results of the Sept. 12 election paved the way for Republican victory in November. According to Cranston Mayor Stephen Laffey, "The smallest state in the Union can have the largest voice." While I doubted Laffey's ability to take that to the U.S. Senate, I do not doubt that the voice of this small state will be amplified even more throughout the next two months.
Rhode Island's Republican primary had temporary divisive implications for the party, yet the electorate was able to pull through in choosing the right candidates to represent the Republicans in November. Providence saw the first Republican mayoral primary in 35 years between the party's endorsed candidate, Dr. Daniel S. Harrop, and the Republican City Committee Chair, David Talan. Harrop swept 63.5 percent of the vote over Talan. Republicans Jonathan Scott and Edmund Leather battled over who will oppose incumbent Congressman Patrick Kennedy. Jon Scott, the endorsed candidate, claimed victory with 69-percent of the vote. Lt. Gov. candidate Kerry King faced an uphill battle when Rhode Island's former Adjutant General, Reginald Centracchio, joined the race in June. Centracchio's 67-percent win combined with claiming victory over every town in Rhode Island positioned him quite nicely for the general election. Last but not least, how could we forget the battle between U.S. Senator Lincoln Chafee, and Laffey for the U.S. Senate? Chafee's 54-percent victory over Laffey is a testament not only to his honest, independent leadership, but also to the intricate network of national politics with which Laffey could not compete.