John DeSimone launches write-in campaign after primary loss
By Bianca Buono
bbuono@abc6.com
@BBuonoABC6
After losing a close race in September, House Majority Leader John DeSimone is launching a long shot campaign to try and win back the seat. He’s now encouraging voters in District 5 to write-in his name come Election Day.
"I believe the values of this neighborhood are better served by me running,” said DeSimone.
DeSimone lost in September to Providence teacher Marcia Ranglin-Vassell. He had held the District 5 seat in Providence for 24 years and is not ready to give it up. He’s now launching a write-in campaign, something that has rarely proved successful.
"Many of the constituents came to me and said John I didn’t think you needed my help or I forgot to vote. Many people voted in the primary for Trump and forgot to disaffiliate and they were turned away because they couldn’t vote in the primary,” DeSimone explained.
In September, DeSimone lost by 21 votes. A recount didn’t change the outcome. Democratic candidate Ranglin-Vassell is calling his renewed push pathetic.
"He’s not going to win. He lost the first time. He lost in the recount. He’s not going to win,” said Ranglin-Vassell.
In a Wednesday news conference, DeSimone was extremely critical of Ranglin-Vassell’s campaign strategy.
"There was a lot of out of state money that came into this campaign. I believe that money manipulated the voters of my district,” said DeSimone.
"The people that benefited from his being at the State House for 24 years were the special interests and the corporations. I ran a campaign on being a fighter for all the people,” said Ranglin-Vassell.
Meanwhile, Roland Lavallee, the Republican candidate in the District 5 race, is sitting back watching the two Democrats duke it out. He says DeSimone’s newest campaign is working in his favor.
"Governor Chafee won with 36% and the way I look at it that’s about all I need. The reaction I’ve been getting, the acceptance at door-knocks, I believe I’m going to do better than that,” said Lavallee.
Speaker Mattiello is not supporting his former majority leader. He says he’s with Ranglin-Vassell.
© WLNE-TV 2016
