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Rhode Island has a vibrant past. With the history of the state comes the importance of the Republican Party. The founding of the Republican Party in 1856 emerged through the efforts of a coalition whose ideals about slavery and manifest destiny differed from their counter parts. The Rhode Island Republican Party is an affiliate to the National Republican Committee. The Grand Old Party of Rhode Island Chairman is Giovanni Cicione.

History
The Rhode Island Republican Party was a member of the formation of United States National Republican Party founded in 1854. Rhode Island, being one of the thirteen original colonies has a vast and vibrant history. The adoption of Rhode Island constitution was not until 1842. The Republican Party was not founded until the Second Party System (1828)-(1854), and did not flourish until the elections of 1856.

The Republican Party was formed by former northern anti-slavery Whigs, Democrats, and other northern politicians. "Now, make way for a Party, open as day, clear as sunlight, without fear, without reproach, pledged to restore and maintain the rights of man, without distinction of birth, race, or creed." The Anti-slavery Republicans absorbed most the American Party, Whigs, the Know-Nothings and Unionist's by 1857. The republicans dominated governorship from 1850s until 1933.

Current Officials

 * The Republican Party of Rhode Island
 * Chairman:Giovanni Cicione
 * 1st Vice Chiar: Steve Frias
 * 2nd Vice Chair: Brian Buongiovanni
 * Secretary: Ryan Neil Lund
 * Treasurer: Barbra Holmes
 * National Committeeman: Rep. Joe Trillo
 * National Committeewoman: Rep. Carol Mumford

Legislative

 * Senate Minority Leader: Dennis L. Algiere
 * House Minority Leader: Brian Newberry

Local

 * Cranston
 * Allan Fung, Mayor
 * Warwick
 * Scott Avedisian, Mayor
 * Lincoln
 * T. Joseph Almond, Town Administrator

=Members of Congress=
 * U.S. Senators:
 * Jack Reed(D)
 * Sheldon Whitehouse(D)


 * U.S. Representatives:
 * David Cicilline(D)
 * James R. Langevin(D)

Statewide offices

 * State of Rhode Island Governor
 * Lincoln D. Chafee


 * Secretary of State
 * A.Ralph Mollis

Economic policy
Pension Bill

The legislation(2011H6319Aaa, 2011-S 1111Aaa ) Rhode Island Retirement Security Act, was approved by the general assembly in November 17th 2011. Senate Vote 35-2, House vote 57-15. All Republicans in the House voted yea in support of the H-6319 Bill.

Social policy
Reclassification of marijuana

Governor Chafee of Rhode Island openly supports the idea of reclassifying marijuana to a lower category in order to assist those with medical needs. Marijuana hold the current classification of schedule I, makes its unacceptable for medical use; therefore the lower the category to schedule II would allow for medical distribution and treatment.

Immigration

The National Republican Assemblies include the chapter Rhode Island Republican Assembly. This conservative party is affiliated with the Rhode Island Republican Party; whom openly supports the current Arizona immigration law. The Rhode Island Republican Assembly supports Arizona’s use of the 10th amendment, which emphasizes the protection of citizens, and requires all people within the US to adhere to laws of sovereignty.

Did you know?
Republican Ken McKay

Republican Ken McKay resigned as Chairman of the Republican Party of Rhode Island, accepted a Senior Advisor position with Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin as a senior Advisor. Republican Ken McKay was also the Chief of Staff for the Republican National Committee in 2011. McKay resigned soon after a controversy with the Federal Election Commission, surrounding expenditures by GOP aids at a topless themed night club in West Hollywood.

Republican Robert Watson

Republican Robert Watson was the former Rhode Island House Minority Leader. He was replaced in May 2011, due to his arrest in Connecticut for driving under the influence on April 22, 2011. His current charges include driving under the influence, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Mr. Watson has pleaded not guilty. As of November 2011, his trial date has yet to be scheduled. Rep. Watson’s statement to Providence Journal is as follows: "Trace evidence of marijuana was discovered and I was charged with operating under the influence, a charge I vehemently deny."

Thomas Wilson Dorr

As the leader of the famous Dorr Rebellion, Dorr was the first American to be charged with treason in Unites States History. Thomas Dorr believed he served as Governor under the assumption that the People’s Constitution held legitimacy.

Benedict Arnold

The famous Benedict Arnold from the Revolutionary War’s great grandfather was Benedict Arnold from Rhode Island; who also served as a Governor of Rhode Island in 1663.