Rhode Island Republican Legislator, Expelled from Republican Caucus, Joins Libertarian Party

Rhode Island State House member Daniel P. Gordon, Jr., elected as a Republican to his first term in November 2010, was expelled by the Republican House caucus earlier this month after he was arrested for not having appeared some time earlier in a Massachusetts court. See this story about his legal troubles. On September 21, he became a dues-paying member of the Libertarian Party. It is not clear if he has changed his voter registration from “Republican” to “Libertarian.” If he does so, the state will consider him a registered independent, because the Libertarian Party has never been a qualified party in Rhode Island. However, the voter registration form includes a blank line for “political party” so he is free to write in “Libertarian” on the card.

Gordon supported Ron Paul for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008, and says he has long been a libertarian by philosophy. His election to the Rhode House in November 2010 was extremely close; the vote was 2,707 for Gordon and 2,660 for his Democratic opponent. He represents the 71st district, centered on Portsmouth. Thanks to Eric Dondero and Austin Cassidy for this news.

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BernieB on September 22, 2011 at 10:44 am said:

What does that reduce the count of the Rhode Island Republican caucus to? One? Two? LOL
Ken Block on September 22, 2011 at 12:10 pm said:

The LPs can have him. This guy has *significant* problems that will reduce his effectiveness as a legislator down to near nil.
Richard Winger on September 22, 2011 at 12:23 pm said:

#2, there are now 9 Republicans in the Rhode Island House, out of 75 members.
Ken Block on September 22, 2011 at 12:34 pm said:

One of the remaining 9 is going on trial in CT for DUI and possession of marijuana – he is the former minority leader.
Demo Rep on September 22, 2011 at 12:42 pm said:

When will the Donkey / Elephant gerrymander gangsters demand blood oaths / brain scans to require *loyalty* to the party hack party lines ???

P.R. and App.V.
Dan on September 22, 2011 at 6:37 pm said:

Is this the same Ken Block that blew the gubernatorial election for Robitaille, because he was too selfish to step aside and let moron Chafee squirrel in? If so, you have serious problems. Screwing the while state just you keep your goofy Moderate Party alive.