And now, for many, the real campaign begins

Posted 9/10/14

Campaign season has been under way for months. But in truth, it is just now getting started.

Millions of dollars were spent, thousands of hands were shaken and scores of debates were held leading …

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And now, for many, the real campaign begins

Posted

Campaign season has been under way for months. But in truth, it is just now getting started.

Millions of dollars were spent, thousands of hands were shaken and scores of debates were held leading up to this week’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 Tuesday primary will effectively determine the race. In Johnston, for example, the two Town Council seats and three School Committee positions up for grabs this fall will be decided via the Democratic primary.

Cranston had just one local contest on the primary ballot – the race between four Democrats seeking citywide seats on the City Council. The community was in the spotlight, though, as Mayor Allan Fung went down to the wire with businessman Ken Block in the race for the Republican nomination for governor.

Warwick, meanwhile, had several local primaries, headlined by Stacia Petri’s bid to wrest the Republican nomination from Mayor Scott Avedisian.

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 – were locked in a close race based on the most recent polling. Todd Giroux was also seeking the Democratic nod.

There were also contests for several other statewide offices, and some for seats in the General Assembly. 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. Soundbytes 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 draws 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, but it many ways the campaign truly begins this week. Much is at stake, and we urge our readers and all Rhode Islanders to make their voices heard.

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