Raimondo allies push Fung, Trillo to take a stand on Kavanaugh | Poll

Providence Journal - 9/25/2018

Sept. 25--PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Allies of Gov. Gina Raimondo Tuesday ratcheted up pressure on her Republican election opponent, Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, to take a position on the sexual assault allegations and confirmation fight involving U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

"Our governor, Gina Raimondo, also believes these courageous survivors. She is working to root out harassment and bullying in Rhode Island and stands up to the bully in the White House at every turn," said Sulina Mohanty, chairwoman of the Rhode Island Democratic Party Women's Caucus and a State House event organized by the Raimondo campaign and state Democratic party staff. "But there are two men on the ballot in six weeks, Allan Fung and [independent] Joe Trillo, who won't clearly state where they stand. And this is one of those moments in history where anyone who stands by idly will be seen as complicit."

Raimondo did not attend the brief news conference, in which Mohanty was joined by Sen. Gayle Goldin, D-Providence, and former director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence Deb Debare. Democratic Party spokeswoman Emily Samsel said Raimondo was preparing for a Thursday debate. Raimondo's campaign put out a news release calling on Fung and Trillo to "take a stand on Kavanaugh."

"Now more than ever, as this week is unfolding, we've heard people say over and over again, 'boys will be boys. This was when he was 17 years old,'" Debare said. "We need to hold abusers and perpetrators accountable. It doesn't matter whether it is two days after an assault or 30 years after an assault."

Goldin earlier this month attended some of the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on Kavanaugh's nomination and on Tuesday described being surprised by his evasive answers to seemingly softball questions, like whether in high school he was more like John-Boy Walton or Ferris Bueller.

"If he couldn't even answer a question about his own integrity and behavior in high school, what is he hiding?" Goldin said. "I am here today because women are watching and, frankly, we've had enough."

State Rep. Teresa Tanzi was not at the State House Tuesday, but also called for Trillo and Fung to take a position on Kavanaugh in the news release.

Pressure from Raimondo allies and activists did not convince either Fung or Trillo to take a position on whether or not Kavanaugh should be confirmed.

"As a former prosecutor, I know that it takes a lot for victims to come forward. Every one of them should be able to tell their story, and then Mr. Kavanaugh should have a chance to respond," Fung said in an email. "I am glad the Senate is pausing to hear these women out."

Trillo said, "Anytime an allegation like this is made, it needs to be taken seriously. I would like to see these women come forth, and testify, as soon as possible. At that time, the Senate Committee needs to make a decision, whether these allegations need further investigation."

The speakers at the State House and the Raimondo campaign release Tuesday included former GOP state Rep. Trillo, but none of the other non-major party candidates on the ballot, Moderate William Gilbert, Compassion Party candidate Anne Armstrong or independent Luis-Daniel Munoz.

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