Projo Politics Blog

State Rep. Ray Sullivan has been hired to lead Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama's Rhode Island operations.

The campaign released a statement Thursday afternoon naming the 31-year-old Coventry Democrat as the campaign's state director. Sullivan becomes the first paid staffer in the Ocean State working for the Obama camp since the primary election.

When reached Thursday, Sullivan said there would be more paid staff joining him at a campaign headquarters that will soon be established.

"The campaign has never really left the state; it's just not had a formal office and organization on the ground," Sullivan said. "This is a big day for Rhode Island."

Sullivan said he would temporarily leave his position as communications director for the state Democratic Party to focus on the new job, which he officially started Wednesday night. He said the new assignment would not deter him from running for a third term in the Assembly.

Meanwhile, presumed Republican presidential nominee, John McCain, has no plans to establish a Rhode Island headquarters or bring in paid staff. They have only a New England headquarters, which are based in New Hampshire, according to Rep. Robert A. Watson, the House Minority Leader, who also serves as McCain's local chairman, a volunteer position

"We have no plans to start hiring polticians and pay them for their support," Watson said. "We expect to do fine with a volunteer base."

Democrats dominate the Rhode Island political landscape. In the 2004 presidential election, John Kerry received a higher percentage of the vote in Rhode Island than any other state aside from Massachusetts.

"We're going to run a real aggressive race," Sullivan said. "We're not going to take anything for granted."

Obama's Chicago headquarters issued a statement announcing Sullivan's hiring.

"Rhode Islanders are ready for real change in Washington, D.C., not more of the same petty politics of the past," Obama's national campaign manager David Plouffe said. "We look forward to organizing our grassroots supporters in Rhode Island as we build Senator Obama's campaign to turn the page on Bush's failed policies so we can tackle the tough challenges Rhode Islanders face."

Sullivan's previous jobs include: project coordinator for the Providence Community Health Centers, director of legislative and government affairs for former Lt. Gov. Charles Fogarty, communications director for the York for Governor Campaign, and press secretary for the Rhode Island Secretary of State.

Asked whether he hoped the state director job may lead a position in Washington should Obama win, Sullivan responded: "That's not even remotely in my mind right now. Not even close. I've got a job to do. We've got a race to win."

-- Steve Peoples, Journal State House Bureau

 Tags  Barack Obama Rep. Ray Sullivan

Comments

maria jendza said:

Hi,

I would like to volunteer some time to help elect Obama. I have never been this excited about a campaign. Is he coming to RI ? I can volunteer on mondays or friday.

thank You.

Link | August 30, 2008 1:06 PM
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Sandra said:

I would like to volunteer for Obama- I have friends who would join me. We are willing to go up to NH (we did this for Kerry)let me know if there are plans to go to NH over Columbus Day,

Link | September 7, 2008 4:34 PM
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warren said:

Alright let's get real campaining we need more yard signs issued in dade county, broward county, and monroe county, plam beach where you at!!!!!

Link | September 23, 2008 6:14 PM
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