RI’s RNC roll call blasts state leaders

July 20, 2016 5:55 pm

By: Rebecca Turco

Email: rturco@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Rhode Island GOP Chair Brandon Bell blasted state democrats during roll call at the Republican National Convention.

"The state [has been] run by a corrupt Democrat political machine for the last 80 years," he said Tuesday night.

He started off his speech discussing Rhode Island’s founding by Roger Williams, touting the “beautiful” ocean state, before criticizing democratic leadership, even mentioning a recent report that ranked Rhode Island the worst state for business.

"Democratic leadership in our state has been rampant with corruption, lack of transparency, and unethical conduct," Bell said.

Several democratic leaders are now firing back.

"The past handful of governors has all been republicans and certainly has had a hand in getting us where we are,” Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo countered, “But together – Rhode Islanders – we’re in the boat together."

Democratic Party Chair Joe McNamara is livid over Bell’s remarks: "He had an opportunity to promote our state nationally, in front of millions of viewers. These opportunities are few and far between and he chose to make a cheap political statement."

Bell doesn’t see it that way. "I was pointing out to people in the convention hall: look, I wish I can give you a better report,” he said. “Rhode Island is beautiful. Please come, I love my state. However, we’ve got some issues."

McNamara says Rhode Island’s roll call during the Democratic National Convention will focus on highlighting the positives the ocean state has to offer.