EDITORIAL

For some, the campaign season ends today

Posted 9/9/14

Campaign season has been underway for months. For some, it is about to draw to close. For others, it is just now truly getting started.

Millions of dollars were spent, thousands of hands were …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in
EDITORIAL

For some, the campaign season ends today

Posted

Campaign season has been underway for months. For some, it is about to draw to close. For others, it is just now truly getting started.

Millions of dollars were spent, thousands of hands were shaken and scores of debates were held leading up to today’s primary election. Television viewers likely feel as though the number of political commercials to hit the airwaves totals somewhere in the billions.

In many cases, especially on the local level, the primary will effectively determine the race. The Democratic primary will decide races in Wards 2 and 7, and in the Republican mayoral primary, we’ll learn the outcome of Stacia Petri’s bid to wrest the nomination from Mayor Scott Avedisian. There is also a Republican primary in Ward 3 where John Falkowski and Henry Williams Jr. face one another.

Cranston has been in the spotlight, as Mayor Allan Fung goes down to the wire with businessman Ken Block in the race for the Republican nomination for governor.

The Democratic race for governor has likely drawn the most attention over recent months. The three major candidates – General Treasurer Gina Raimondo, Providence Mayor Angel Taveras and Clay Pell – are locked in a close race based on the most recent polling. Todd Giroux is also seeking the Democratic nod.

There are also contests for several other statewide offices, and some for seats in the General Assembly. In Warwick’s District 22, vacated by Frank Ferri, who is in a primary for lieutenant governor, newcomers to the elective process, Joseph Solomon Jr. and Jennifer Siciliano, are vying for the nomination. Leading into primary day, it seemed the level of overall turnout and the ability of candidates to turn out their respective supporters – along with other factors, such as the weather – would play a decisive role in many races.

It’s no secret that many opt against involvement in the political process. The apathy and cynicism felt by many is certainly, on some level, understandable. Our state has faced many challenges in recent years, and our elected officials have too often fallen short in terms of honoring the public’s trust.

We sympathize, too, with those who lament the torrent of advertising and messaging from candidates. Sound bytes and commercials, aside from becoming monotonous, often drown out any true discussion of issues and plans. As we’ve seen in several instances this campaign cycle, the advertising and media game can also frequently devolve into playground-style arguing and name-calling.

Yet for all criticism and frustration, there are many positives. The campaign naturally brings attention to issues of civic importance, and provides an opportunity for new voices to take part in the political process. It reminds us of how privileged we are, particularly in the global and historical context, to live in a democratic society. And ultimately, it does offer a chance for voters to make their will known, and to bring about change.

The political season started months ago, and this week will be decisive for many candidates and communities. Much is at stake, and we urge our readers and all Rhode Islanders to make their voices heard.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here