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Update: Alves loses bid for new primary, and Senate seat

4:45 PM Thu, Oct 16, 2008 |
Mike McKinney    Email

The Rhode Island Supreme Court has denied state Sen. Stephen D. Alves' request for an appeal of his Democratic primary loss, ending his quest for a new election and cementing Michael J. Pinga as the winner, according to Alves' lawyer.

The move means that Alves, a longtime incumbent and powerful Finance Committee chairman, will lose his Senate seat.

Alves had lost the Sept. 9 primary election for the West Warwick Senate District 9 seat by 17 votes to Pinga, political newcomer.

Citing 18 questionable ballots, 10 of them cast by registered Republicans, Alves called for recounts and appealed to the state's highest court for a new election.

The court denied the cert -- the petition that asked the court for an appeal -- and upheld the state Board of Elections decision, which found Pinga had won after recounting ballots.

Pinga said today: "Now I can really say I'm excited because it's over."

Today's decision came after state Supreme Court Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg held a conference in chambers to consider Secretary of State Ralph Mollis' emergency motion to lift a Supreme Court stay of the Board of Elections ruling, a state Judiciary news release said.

As the clock ticked toward the Nov. 4 general election, the court had issued the stay and continued the matter to Oct. 23 to give State Police time to investigate alleged irregularities in the primary. Now it won't be necessary to meet Oct. 23.

The Judiciary statement said Justice Francis X. Flaherty did not participate in the District 9 appeal.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Talia Buford

 
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Comments

Dan-o said:

Thank goodness it's over. . .I really really hope it's over. Now, Alves, GO AWAY!

Link | October 16, 2008 4:18 PM
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Roland said:

Yessirreee!!!! I am just so happy for Mr. Pinga and his long, very long, quest to upset and oust Alves from his position.

Praises to Mr. Pinga for hanging in there and congratulations for his accomplishment!!!

Link | October 16, 2008 5:06 PM
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aLD said:


Pinga Wins! Alves LOSES!

The RI Supreme Court has finally denied Alves' appeal!

The AG's Office noted that the State Police Investigation found NO EVIDENCE of VOTER FRAUD.

So, can the taxpayers of RI now go after Alves and his Attorney for filing a false suit and recoup the cost of this baseless charade?

Even though we have a budget deficit, they pursued their appeal based upon ever changing "facts" that have been proven to be false and unsubstantiated.

How much did this cost us?

Link | October 16, 2008 5:27 PM
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Are you kidding me? said:

I Cannot believe Maureen Goldberg had anything to do with this case. Her husband is one of RI biggest lobbyists and works with Alves constantly. You can also see that as recently as March 19, 2008 Mr. Goldberg gave Alves a $250 campaign donation. I'm glad the right decision was made in the end, but you have GOT to be kidding me! This thing smells so bad of corruption it pains me.

Link | October 16, 2008 6:07 PM
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Dave said:

With no disrespect for Mr.Pinga, I believe he won, not that more people wanted to voted for him, but that voters are tired of the same politics that are generated by those in office and hence voted against Alves. Hopefully this will send a message and result in more incumbents being voted out in November. It can't get any worse. Look at Jack Reed, Part of the Banking Committee, we are in the worst situation since the Great Depression. What did he do to over see this over the last few years, except take millions of dollars from the banking industries.

I say vote every incumbent out of office.

Link | October 16, 2008 6:35 PM
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voice-of-reason said:

The reasoning of "I can't believe it" is totally cockeyed. Since Justice Goldberg denied Alves's appeal DESPITE her husband's contributions to Alves, it shows the case smacks of anything BUT corruption. It shows instead that justice is indeed impartial and fair and that the system is working. Hurray for Justice Goldberg and her reasoned, impartial handling of the issue.

Link | October 16, 2008 9:51 PM
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Henry said:

Exactly right Dave. Every incumbent should be voted out every election. The longer they are in office the more their attitude of entitlement becomes. Most of those buffoons are the problem, not the solution.

Link | October 17, 2008 9:03 AM
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sue said:

Dear voice of reason,are you kidding me meant that Justice Goldberg should have recused herself,even though,in the end, she made a fair decision.

Link | October 17, 2008 9:18 PM
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