Only the R.I. Gubernatorial debate could trump a column devoted to the Judge Cavanaugh-Blasey Ford hearing. Suffice it to say that the behavior of many senators from both sides of the aisle was depressing. Truth was the casualty of their posturing.
So, back to the first televised debate. Other than the "winners", i.e. Tim White and Ted Nesi for their astute questioning and follow-up which compelled the candidates to answer the question actually asked, I am forced to the following conclusion as to whom won the debate among the three candidates: Republican Alan Fung, Democratic Incumbent Gina Raimondo and Independent Joe Trillo. The debate was a draw with each of them having a sparkling moment.

Governor Gina Raimondo- The incumbent made a compelling case based on her economic record and the reduction of the state’s unemployment rate. Cranston Mayor Fung tried to puncture her argument by noting the recent departure of a business from R.I. The Governor promptly parried that she already had attracted another company to lease the space. When she was on the attack, Ms. Raimondo landed some punches by citing the Cranston ticketing scandal that resulted in a state police report that criticized the mayor for interfering with the police department on behalf of his friends.

Mayor Alan Fung- The Republican challenger, no doubt, earned votes in Burrillville when he stated his opposition to the Invenergy power plant, saying that there should be more local control. He landed a solid punch when he noted that the governor’s position of letting the project go through the hearing process was “due to her acceptance of campaign contributions” from some of the principals behind the project. He’s become a much better debater.

Independent Joe Trillo- The former Warwick legislator has a way with words. He dubbed his 2 front runners as “Flip Flop Fung” and Giveaway Gina”. His economic proposals and where he’d get money to pay for tax cuts sounded plausible.
One thing was readily apparent about Joseph Trillo. He is obviously running to win the race. His vociferous rebuttal to both Governor Raimondo’s position and those of Mayor Fung inescapably lead to the conclusion that he is not a stalking horse to assist the Governor to win reelection. His attacks on her policies were as hard-hitting as his critique of those of Mayor Fung’s.
Some citizens have criticized him for “taking votes away from Alan Fung”. This reflection may or may not be true as it pertains to rank and file republicans. Mr. Trillo argued convincingly, however, that democrats who fear the progressive wing of the Democratic Party which the Governor embraces, have a “home’ with him since he is more conservative.

Nonetheless, the attitude of those who eschew any candidate running for office because it hurts their candidate is anti-democratic. This is America. Anyone, particularly a person who has had 16 years of distinguished service to the state, has every right to run for higher office. Whom he/she may impact is irrelevant. In this race Mr. Trillo has made it crystal clear he thinks both frontrunners are wrong for the state and he is the right leader. Regardless of how a voter feels about his candidacy, Mr. Trillo should not be excoriated for exercising his right to run and be an alternative. We need more, not less, people with his conviction.

Arlene Violet is an attorney and former Rhode Island Attorney General.