More endorsements for progressives running for General Assembly seats

Three progressive groups, three different sets of endorsements

By Bob Plain in Rhode Island’s Future

Local picks of interest: Cathie Cool Rumsey, Teresa Tanzi, Kathy Forgarty

Moira Walsh and Susan Donovan were endorsed by all three. Marcia Ranglin-Vassell, Lisa Scorpio, Teresa Tanzi and Jeanine Calkin won the endorsement of two of the three. 

While the vast majority – 22 of the 36 endorsed candidates – were only endorsed by one of the three, so far. Such are some of the similarities and differences between the three general interest, progressive-leaning organizations making legislative endorsements this election cycle.

The RI Progressive Democrats, the Young Democrats of Rhode Island and the Working Families Party of Rhode Island have now each announced legislative endorsements.

While all three groups say they will be making more endorsements in the days, weeks and months to come, to date it seems each group has different criteria for winning their endorsement.

There are structural, rather than political, differences in some cases. For example, the Working Families Party and Progressive Democrats both endorsed candidates with primary opponents while the Young Dems endorsed several candidates who don’t. 

But don’t be surprised if by the end of the campaign season if these three groups end up endorsing a slightly different slate of candidates.

Bob Plain is the editor/publisher of Rhode Island's Future. Previously, he's worked as a reporter for several different news organizations both in Rhode Island and across the country.