Political Happenings

Daniel Kittredge
Posted 3/27/14

Miller apologizes after profanity flap

State Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Cranston) on Tuesday issued a public apology after he was criticized for directing profanity toward a man during a March 18 rally …

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Political Happenings

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Miller apologizes after profanity flap

State Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Cranston) on Tuesday issued a public apology after he was criticized for directing profanity toward a man during a March 18 rally of gun-control opponents and supporters at the State House.

“Regardless of the emotions and atmosphere of the moment, it does not justify the language I used that day,” Miller said. “Out of respect for the decorum of the State House and the constituents I represent, I offer my apologies.”

In a clip posted on YouTube, Miller is heard responding to Dan Bidondi of the Dan Bidondi show on TruthRadioShow.com with the words “Go [expletive] yourself.” Miller has since received a number of angry comments via social media.

The March 18 demonstrations were held as lawmakers considered several firearms-related bills. Bidondi in the introduction to the YouTube clip says he was at the State House to get lawmakers’ reactions to the “unconstitutional, draconian” gun-control measures being discussed, and specifically to speak with the “gun-grabbing” Miller.

Below is the remainder of Miller’s statement, leading up to the above paragraph:

“Last Tuesday a vast group of Rhode Islanders gathered peacefully in the State House rotunda to voice their concerns about gun violence in our state and in our country.

“They also gathered to support sensible gun legislation that would ban the sale of assault weapons, ban the sale of high capacity magazines, ban weapons on school grounds and deny firearm access to individuals who have been convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors.

“At the end of a press conference in which I participated, an individual representing a website notorious for conspiracy theories started berating members of the coalition and intimidating elderly veterans, members of the clergy and victims of violence.

“It quickly became a highly charged atmosphere, which required the presence of the Capitol Police. The individual in question is not new to the State House and is known for his aggressive and intimidating manner. He also was interrupting legitimate members of the media who were attempting to conduct interviews.

“After watching him antagonize an elderly veteran, he swung his camera my way, which produced a very human and guttural reaction. I respect both the Second Amendment and the First Amendment. It is important to note that the individual in question was physically removed from a committee room by the Capitol Police later that evening.”

Fung receives backing of Westerly Republican Town Committee

Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, a candidate for the Republican nomination for governor, recently announced he has received the unanimous backing of the Westerly Republican Town Committee.

“The Westerly Republican Town Committee is pleased to support Mayor Fung’s campaign for governor of Rhode Island,” said Westerly Republican Chairman Robert Priolo in a statement from the Fung campaign. “After hearing from both Republican candidates in this race, the members of our committee agreed that Mayor Fung offers the vision and leadership to put Rhode Island back on track. Unlike other candidates in this race, Mayor Fung has a proven record of fiscal responsibility and job creation that has revitalized the city of Cranston and we desperately need that leadership and experience in the governor’s office … Allan Fung offers the best opportunity for a Republican victory in November and an honest commitment to the future of the RIGOP.”

Fung has already received the backing of the Cranston and Pawtucket Republican committees.

 

De Ramel gets multiple endorsements

Aquidneck Island businessman Guillaume De Ramel has received several endorsements in his race to become Rhode Island’s next Secretary of State, including from Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena, several Cranston officials and the Rhode Island State Association of Fire Fighters (RISAFF). 

De Ramel had already received the backing of the Johnston Democratic Town Committee. Polisena joins a number of other officials, unions and local party committees in backing the candidate, including 17 elected officials representing Cranston. They include state Sen. Hanna Gallo, state Sen. Frank Lombardi, state Rep. Robert Jacquard, state Rep. Charlene Lima, state Rep. Michael Marcello, state Rep. Peter Palumbo, City Council President John Lanni, Council Vice President Michael Farina, Councilman Mario Aceto, Councilman Paul Archetto, Councilman Richard Santamaria, Councilwoman Sarah Kales Lee, School Committee Chairwoman Andrea Iannazzi and School Committee members Stephanie Culhane, Jeff Gale, Paula McFarland, and Janice Ruggieri.

De Ramel has also been endorsed by North Providence Mayor Charlie Lombardi, state Sen. Mary Ellen Goodwin, the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee, the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 328 and the Rhode Island Brotherhood of Corrections Officers.

The RISAFF is made up of 36 local unions and represents nearly 2000 Rhode Island firefighters.

"Guillaume De Ramel, a longtime advocate for working men and women in Rhode Island, is running for Secretary of State to improve our state's business climate," said RISAFF President Paul Reed. "Guillaume is the best and most qualified candidate to be our next Secretary of State and the Rhode Island State Association of Fire Fighters will be working to get him elected this fall."

Last year, former Rhode Island Democratic Party Chairman Ed Pacheco and 11 members of the Providence City Council endorsed De Ramel’s candidacy. 

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