A Blog Called Hope

We at the Democratic Party would like send our most heartfelt condolences to Lynn Lynch, wife of our chairman, Bill Lynch, and the entire Perna family on the recent passing of Mrs. Lynch’s father, Anthony Perna, of Providence. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

If you would like to post a note of condolence to family, you may do so here.

PERNA, ANTHONY A., 72, of Smithfield Ave., Providence, passed away on Wednesday. He was the son of the late Angelo and Teresa (Sylvester) Perna.

Mr. Perna was the Owner of North End Auto Body on Smithfield Ave. in Providence. He was also a communicant and usher at St. Raymond Church in Providence and often volunteered in the Church’s efforts to feed the homeless.

He leaves his daughters, Denise DeCesare and her husband Marciano, Lynn Lynch and her husband William, Lindsey and Ashley Perna; his son, Anthony A., Perna, Jr. and his wife Kathy; his grandchildren, Marciano, Anthony, and Jason DeCesare, Jarred and Blair Lynch, Katelyn and Alex Perna; his sister, Angela O’Brien; and a niece, Lori Golato. He is also survived by his former wives, Ann (Lambias) Perna and Cheryl Perna.

Visitation Friday MORNING, 9:30 - 11 AM in the A.A. MARIANI & SON Funeral Home, 200 Hawkins St., Providence, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:30 AM in St. Maria Goretti Church, 155 Power Rd., Pawtucket. Burial in St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket. In lieu of flowers donations to: St. Raymond Church, 2 Matilda St., Providence, 02904. WWW.MARIANIANDSON.COM.

Rhode Island family accompanies Senator Reed (D-RI) for the signing of a bill which calls for $150 million in funding for youth cancer research

“The Haights, who are from Warwick, were at The White House Tuesday as President Bush signed a bill, honoring their son. Vince and Nancy Haight asked Senator Jack Reed to help secure funding for childhood cancer research, after their son, Ben, died from the disease.” -WPRI

To read the article, visit WPRI online.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) rips into Bush administration based on what he describes as ‘political favoritism’ in Judicial hiring

Former U.S. Attorney, and current Rhode Island Senator, Sheldon Whitehouse has targeted the Bush White House for what he deems unlawful hiring schemes at the Department of Justice. After an extensive investigation into the matter, Senator Whitehouse has uncovered a systematic effort to hire applicants based on political leanings. Such practices violate the hiring rules for civil service positions.

To view Senator Whitehouse’s entire press release visit his website.

We have recently created a Rhode Island Democratic Party Facebook page! Learn about upcoming events and politicitans, view videos and pictures, get up-to-date news and information and interact with other RI Democratic Party supporters!

In addition to our own page, the Women’s Caucus has created a Facebook group to enable members to network and stay up-to-date with the latest happenings! Check it out today.

On Sunday night, over 100 Democrats from Rhode Island came together for the 2008 State Committee Meeting in West Warwick. The members endorsed Barack Obama for President, Senator Reed for U.S. Senate, and Congressmen Langevin and Kennedy as U.S. Representatives.

Below are some highlights from the meeting.

Senator Whitehouse

Senator Reed

Attorney General Lynch

Congressman Langevin

Congressman Kennedy

Tonight is the MSNBC debate in Ohio and both Dem campaigns are hosting watch parties in Providence beginning at 8:30.

Hillary Clinton

Party will be at the Clinton Campaign HQ on 175 Broad St.

Barack Obama

As Matt has been promoting, the Obama Campaign will be doing it up at Local 121 on 121 Washington St.

Here’s some video of Chairman Lynch appearing on Channel 12’s Newsmakers from last Sunday…

Thankfully, tonight is President Bush’s last State of the Union Speech. After nearly eight years in the White House it really is amazing to see how George Bush has increasingly grown more unaware of, unconcerned for or decidedly unmoved by the will of the American people. Our friends over at the DCC want to hear from you, in your own words, and are asking folks to make a short video outlining what you want to hear in the state of the union speech and what you believe should be America’s top priorities.

It’s actually pretty easy: Make your video, put it up on YouTube and email the DCCC with a link to your work. Make sure you send us a link as well, and we’ll be sure to post it here. The entries will be judged by an all-star panel of politicos and celebs who will pick submissions to be featured in national spots focusing on the Democratic plan to move our country forward in a new and better direction.

So we cleaned out the ol’ TiVo box today and found some coverage of our great Democratic leaders in the House and Senate, and Mayor Cicilline tackling issues that are important to their constituents.

Here’s NBC 10’s coverage of Sen. Juan Pichardo’s efforts to protect renters in his district (an idea also supported by General Treasurer Frank Caprio).

Channel 12 has the story on Rep. Jan Malik’s legislation to toughen penalties on high schoolers who get caught with drugs or alcohol.

And finally, here’s more from NBC 10 on Mayor David Cicilline’s new initiative to provide city residents with carbon monoxide dioxide detectors.