Doherty will return $1,000 from Ciccone after police allegation
April 4th, 2012 at 2:05 pm by Ted Nesi under Nesi's Notes, On the Main Site
By Ted Nesi
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – Republican Brendan Doherty said Wednesday he’ll return $1,000 donated to his campaign by state Sen. Frank Ciccone, criticizing the lawmaker for showing “very poor judgment” when he allegedly tried to threaten police officers as they arrested Senate Majority Leader Dominick Ruggerio.
The announcement comes two days after WPRI.com reported Doherty would keep Ciccone’s money despite last week’s incident in Barrington, a decision that drew criticism from some of his allies.
“With the benefit of additional information released today by the Barrington Police and upon careful reflection on the matter, I am extremely disappointed in the actions of Senator Ciccone and I have directed my campaign to return his contributions,” Doherty said in a statement.
Ciccone, a Providence Democrat, crossed party lines twice last year to contribute campaign cash to Doherty, who stepped down as head of the Rhode Island State Police to challenge first-term Democrat David Cicilline. Ciccone gave Doherty $500 in June and another $500 in October, according to Federal Election Commission records.
“I am confident that the Barrington Police acted with respect and courtesy in this situation, but it has become evidence that Senator Ciccone showed very poor judgment and failed to treat the police officers in the same manner,” Doherty said Wednesday.
Tags: 1st Congressional District, brendan doherty, campaign 2012, congress, david cicilline, democrats, dominick ruggerio, frank ciccone, giovanni cicione, laborers, politics, republicans
Nesi's Notes covers politics and the economy in and around Rhode Island for WPRI.com. (Twitter: 
Another Rhode Island politician without a backbone. Doherty is just another cop who is inept about circumstances. I was hoping we had a good canidate running against the Democrats. What we get is another inept RINO. The next Congressman in the First District is sadly going to be Crooked Cicciline.
Look, he did the right thing even if it took him too long. Compare that with our current Congressman who STILL refuses to take responsibility.
Still though, why did it take so long?
Well, unlike how people and the media jumped to conclusions regarding the Martian/Zimmerman controvery, it looks like Doherty wanted to get the FACTS FIRST regarding the situation, then to make the decision to return the funds.
That’s a true leader to me! I bet if it was Ciccilini, he would have already spentthe money regardless and say “No Comment”.
I’d like to think Mr. Doherty was trying to avoid a “ready, fire, aim” response and be sure of his decision.
I’m glad that choice was finally to return Sen Ciccone’s money.
To his credit, he still remains one of the few truly honorable persons with character in the RI political scene. In spite of what Gov Chafee endorses, I’ll take character over slickness any day.
“To his credit, he still remains one of the few truly honorable persons with character in the RI political scene. In spite of what Gov Chafee endorses, I’ll take character over slickness any day.”
I agree!