State leaders continue to back Hillary Clinton after Tuesday’s loss
By Bianca Buono
@BBuonoABC6
Rhode Islanders have decided who they want to run for president and it probably came as a surprise to state leaders. All of Rhode Island’s top politicians strongly backed Hillary Clinton and after Tuesday’s convincing loss, many people think it’s a reflection of how voters feel about the governor and other top leaders.
Until Tuesday night, all signs pointed to Hillary Clinton. She had a landslide victory in Rhode Island against then candidate Barack Obama in 2008. She and her husband made a combined three visits to state over the past few weeks, and she had the support of the entire Democratic establishment in Rhode Island; but still Senator Bernie Sanders came out on top.
Out of the five states voting in primaries Tuesday, Rhode Island was the only state where Clinton lost.
"Obviously I’m disappointed Hillary didn’t take Rhode Island but otherwise she had a terrific night,” Raimondo said.
Raimondo is one of nine superdelegates in the state who have all publicly backed Clinton. She says her endorsement won’t change.
"Bernie’s team ran a great race on the ground in Rhode Island and hats off to him but I’m still behind Hillary,” Raimondo said.
Many people in the state think there’s more to Clinton’s 14,000 vote loss than Sander’s team running a great race that it’s really an indictment of the governor and other top democrats. Party Chair Joe McNamara disagrees.
"I think that this reflects the organization of a good campaign and also highlighting issues that appeal to specific voters and getting those voters out,” said Rhode Island’s Democratic Party Chair Joe McNamara.
Political analysts ABC6 spoke with say it is a sign that Rhode Islanders are not happy with state government.
"This surge for Sanders suggests that people are getting pretty edgy. If you are a Rhode Island political leader you want to really think hard about how to get things turned around,” said James Morone of the Watson Institute.
"They’re also showing a real dissatisfaction with the status quo in government,” said Providence College professor Robert Hackey.
ABC6 reached out to all of Rhode Island’s nine superdelegates Wednesday. The five we heard back from all say they will continue to support Hillary Clinton.
© WLNE-TV 2016
