For Smith, A Comparison That Cuts Both Ways

An Associated Press story that appeard in the Boston Globe, among other papers, notes that prospective Republican gubernatorial candidate Riordon "Rory" Smith's candidacy is drawing comparisons to Governor Carcieri's initial campaign. Both are wealthy businessmen from East Greenwich who came out of nowhere to seek the state's top job.

The comparison gives Smith some instant credibility. Carcieri won, after all, and was re-elected. But with the governor's approval ratings in the basement and a change sentiment brewing amid the state's fiscal woes, the comparison - sure to follow him throughout any campaign - could do more harm than good.