The RI political cooperative criticized for the publications of a second candidate on social networks

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The battle challenges Rep. Karen Alzate, a Democrat from Pawtucket who is chair of the Rhode Island Black and Latino Legislative Caucus.

I think this is starting to identify a pattern where the co-op did not screen applicants very well, said Patrick Crowley, secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO of Rhode Island. It’s surprising, but it raises the bigger question of how the co-op makes decisions about who it supports.

Crowley argued that it was hypocritical for the co-op to run candidates like Jackson and Battle under the progressive banner while challenging Democrats like Euer, who sponsored the climate law, and Alzate, who sponsored a bill to increase the income tax of the Rhode Islands. rate from 5.99 percent to 8.99 percent.

I don’t see what is progressive in targeting lawmakers who are trying to tax the rich, Crowley said. What’s troubling here, from my perspective, is that they seem to take the position that only one organization has the right to define what a progressive is, and I think that goes against the grain. goals of what the broader Rhode Island progressive movement is. try to accomplish.

A spokesperson for the Rhode Island Political Co-op released a statement on Friday, saying: We will evaluate our background check process for potential applicants to ensure that everyone involved in the co-op is aligned with our values ​​and the policies of our Rhode Island’s political platform desperately needs to live a better life.

Spokeswoman Camilla Pelliccia said the co-op decided to challenge Alzate because of her support for House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, a Democrat from Warwick who she said opposes urgent progressive priorities, including raising taxes on the rich, passing bold Green New Deal legislation and dealing with our states severe and accelerating housing crisis.

While Alzate sponsored a bill to tax the highest incomes, the legislation died in the House finance committee.

Alzate expressed support for Democratic Treasurer General Seth Magaziner, who announced on September 14 that he would run for governor in 2022.

Former Secretary of State Matt Brown, co-founder of the Rhode Island Political Cooperative, announced on September 22 that he would run for governor, launching a progressive slate with State Senator Cynthia Mendes, candidate for lieutenant governor, and up to 50 other co-op candidates.

Battle was announced as a co-op candidate in House District 60, challenging Alzate. The co-op’s website describes Battle as a community organizer, mental health professional, artist and mother.

On August 24, Battle shared and commented on a Facebook post that appeared to refer to COVID-19 vaccines.

As one person pointed out: Does the warrant have the force of law? No religious exemptions? she wrote. Title VII of the United States Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on religion. Give up the position? This is considered unlawful dismissal based on discrimination. Leave without pay? This is retaliation and another violation of Title VII. People need to fight, yes, like this letter says, be a soldier, but not for them.

On July 8, Battle shared on Facebook an article from Faithwire with the headline Hobby Lobby Faces Atheist Backlash for One Nation Under God Ad.

Christian retailer Hobby Lobby faced atheist contempt this week for its Independence Day ad, which ran in newspapers nationwide, according to the article. The words, A Nation Under God, featured prominently on the ad that featured a running child with an American flag, along with a reference to Psalm 33:12, which states, Blessed is the nation of which God is Lord.

The battle could not be reached on Friday afternoon.

Edward Fitzpatrick can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @FitzProv.

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