Former President Clinton stumps for treasurer candidate Magaziner in R.I.
By Alex Kuffner, The Providence Journal, R.I. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Shortly after taking the stage at the rally inside the center, Clinton made reference to his long friendship with Magaziner's father, Ira, which dates to their time together as Rhodes Scholars at
"It is true that I have known
"I am very glad to be here for him," the former president continued. "He projects hope."
Magaziner, a first-time candidate who is vying for the Democratic nomination for general treasurer against veteran politician
In a nine-minute speech, Clinton said that he had "read every word" of Magaziner's 13-page "blueprint" to stimulate economic growth in
"This blueprint is really, really good," Clinton said, banging the lectern. "Everything that Seth says in this blueprint is consistent with what we as a nation, and you in
There was some irony in Clinton coming to
But Clinton's relationship with the Caprio clan is trumped by the former president's ties to the Magaziners.
Clinton made no reference to Caprio in his speech. When asked about the former president's visit, Caprio's campaign released a statement that said, "Frank has enormous respect for former
Most strikingly, he has overtaken Caprio in the polls. In a May Providence Journal-WPRI poll, Caprio led Magaziner by 18 points in what was then a three-man Democratic primary race. (The third person in the race, former state Auditor General
The results of the latest Journal-WPRI poll released last week showed a stunning turnaround, with Magaziner taking a 12-point lead over Caprio.
While Caprio has pointed to his track record that includes a previous stint as treasurer, Magaziner has pushed a plan to expand the role of the office.
"We have one of the highest unemployment rates of any state in the country," he said at the rally. "We have tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders out of work. Thousands more have left the state because they couldn't find jobs. Thousands more are working but they're working for less pay than they used to. Do we want change or more of the same?"
"I am running for treasurer because I know that office can and must be an engine for economic growth in this state," he continued.
State Rep.
"I'm hopeful that he can push the envelope," Valencia said of Magaziner. "As long as we're in the situation with high unemployment, we have to do everything we can."
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