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Stephen Laffey on Principles & Values
Republican Senate Challenger
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Confront real problems directly with people
When I make a mistake, I apologize directly. I've done that in the past. If you're in the public eye as much as I am, you're going to say things from time to time that are a little bit strong. In the end, what we've done in Cranston is get real change
starting to spread around so you sometimes have to confront real problems directly with people rather than giving into the special interests over and over again. When you want real change and people don't want to change things, they will fight you.
Source: 2006 R.I. Republican Senate Primary debate on WPRI
Aug 24, 2006
Fight big pharma, big oil, and special interests
I'm running for the United States Senate because the smallest state in the Union needs the strongest voice in the Senate:- to fight the big drug companies,
- to fight the other special interests that have corrupted our tax code and have hurt the
hard working taxpayers of Rhode Island.
- And to fight the big oil companies
I will be that voice!
Source: Campaign announcement speech
Sep 8, 2005
As Cranston Mayor, converted worst credit rating in America
When I returned to Cranston [after college and working], I found the same hard-working, honest, decent people who I grew up with. But, to my horror, I also found a city government that was filled with corruption, run by special interests and literally on
the verge of declaring bankruptcy. Incredibly, the two cities in all of America with the worst credit rating were East Chicago and Cranston. Cranston had the largest budget deficit in the State. It had one sweetheart deal after another that the
politicians had made with the powerful special interests. I had never even been involved in politics before, but I saw a great need.- I ignored the fact that Democrats outnumbered Republicans 3-to-1.
- And I ignored the fact that the polls showed
me behind by 68% to 9%,
- And I ignored the fact that the party insiders told me that I "couldn't" run. They had another candidate.
The people listened to the truth. As mayor, we've been able to turn Cranston around in just over two short years.
Source: Campaign announcement speech
Sep 8, 2005
The strongest voice for the smallest state
In order to get to where we are [in Cranston], we've had our share of disputes. We've stepped on the toes. no.we've broken the feet. of some powerful special interests. And the special interests and political bosses got angry. But we reached across the
aisle so Democrats would work with me to pass the needed reforms to save the City.Folks, in order to change Washington like we changed Cranston, we're going to need the strongest voice we can find. I am a reformer and the people of Cranston know that
Source: Campaign announcement speech
Sep 8, 2005
The strongest voice for the smallest state
when we set out to do something, we get the job done.Whether people agree with me or not, they know I am not afraid to take on issues, and I am not afraid to stand and fight for those beliefs in the face of all odds.
This race is about who is going
to be the best watchdog for your interests.and who is going to be the strongest voice in Washington for you and your family. If the people of R.I. send me to the U.S. Senate, the smallest state in the union will have the strongest voice in Washington.
Source: Campaign announcement speech
Sep 8, 2005