(1) Deb Ruggiero - One of the state's top women's rights activists is battling a 28-year Republican incumbent, Bruce Long, who has had several troubling scandals: reports of tax evasion; reports that Long lives in Westerly instead of in his Representative district in Middletown; reports of campaign finance troubles where Long apparently "misplaced" the names of the people who gave him over $10,000. For a flavor of how great Ruggiero is as a candidate, check out her column in the Jamestown Press. Donations can be made payable to Friends of Deb Ruggiero at P.O. BOX 282 Jamestown, RI 02835 and volunteers should contact 401-423-0444 or email DRJamestwn at aol.com.
(2) Michael Rice - Rice is the Democratic candidate for the HD-35 seat in South Kingstown being vacated by Rep. Shanley. His opponent is right-winger James Haldeman. Rice has been the long-serving chairman of the Conservation Commission of South Kingstown and he is most interested in the progressive 'three e' issues of Education, Economy and Environment, which are outlined at his website here. Contributions to his campaign can me made through a PayPal link from his website or by mailing checks payable to "Friends of Michael Rice" to 201 Old Post, Rd., Wakefield, RI 02879. To volunteer please email rice35RI at gmail.com.
(3) Mary Ann Shallcross Smith - Shallcross Smith is another great woman candidate running for the HD-46 seat representing Lincoln and Pawtucket. She is running against incumbent Republican Bill McManus, who has been a loyal rubber-stamper of the failed Carcieri policies of the last 6 years. You can donate to her campaign by clicking here or by mailing a check to Friends of Mary Ann Shallcross Smith at 6 Twin River Rd. Lincoln, RI 02865.
(4) Larry Signore - Signore is the Democratic state Senate candidate for SD-32 in Barrington and Bristol. Last election, the democratic candidate almost knocked-off incumbent Sen. David Bates and this looks to be the year when it actually happens. Signore has run a first-class campaign, but he needs your financial support to keep up the momentum. You can click here to donate.
(5) Scott Guthrie - Guthrie is the Democratic State Rep. candidate for HD-28 in Coventry. Guthrie previously held this seat from 2001-2002. He is battling a Republican in this seat being left vacant by Victor Moffitt. To volunteer please call 823-3451 or email dist28 at cox.net You can also send your donation to Friends of Scott Guthrie at 19 Regalwood Drive Coventry, RI 02816
(6) State Rep. Amy Rice - Rice is a tremendous progressive champion in the House, reprsenting HD-72, covering parts of Portsmouth, Middletown and Newport. She was the only democrat to take out a republican in 2004 handily beating an 18 year incumbent in all precincts. In 2006, her race was targeted by someone who worked for the governor in public relations. Yet, due to her tenacity, Rice won again. This year, Rice is be squaring off against an 18-year-old carpetbagging, Republican opponent, Dan Reilly, whose parents are the largest tax delinquents in RI - owing over a $1 million. Since this race is one of the RI GOP's target races, please make sure to learn more about Rice and contact her at her website.
(7) State Sen. Chuck Levesque - Levesque represents Bristol and Portsmouth in SD-11 and he is a proud supporter of universal health care, criminal justice reform and civil rights. He is being opposed by right-wing talk radio caller Chris Ottiano. Donations can be sent to "Committee to Elect Charles Levesque" at 81 Freeborn Street, Portsmouth, RI, 02871.
(8) State Rep. Donna Walsh - Walsh is a tremendous environmental champion in the House. Just click here to read how Walsh is urging her constituents to support open space initatives across Rhode Island. Her HD-36 covers Charlestown, New Shoreham, South Kingstown and Westerly. She is facing not one, but TWO right-wingers: Matt McHugh and David Cote.
(9) State Rep. Ray Church - Church is the current Rep. for HD-48 representing Burrillville and North Smithfield. He is a strong voice for fiscal sanity and for working families on the House Finance committee. This year, he is facing a rematch against right-winger Brian Newberry. Volunteers can call 762-1875 or email rep-church at cox.net to get involved.
10) TIE - Sen. Teresa Paiva-Weed and Sen. Dan Connors - While the state senate is one of the most conservative institutions in Rhode Island - despite it's Democratic majority, there have been a few bright spots this year. Both Senators Paiva-Weed and Connors have been unafraid to speak out with their colleagues and in the media on behalf of working families. Their courage is to be commended. And, it should be stated, that both of their opponents are pretty scary. Donna Perry is running against Paiva-Weed and she is (a) the sister of John DePetro and (b) the executive director of the RI Republican Party. Nuff said. And Kathy Dennen, who is running against Connors, has some... um... issues, as Pat has pointed out.
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