The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund has endorsed five Rhode Island House candidates in its 2022 report card for the upcoming elections and dished out “F” grades to General Assembly leaders after they passed an ban on high capacity magazines this year.
The new NRA grades include an “F” for formerly “A” rated Senate president Dominick Ruggerio, a gun owner and Second Amendment advocate in the past.
Out of dozens of competitive races and hundreds of candidates, the gun rights group endorsed Republican Rep. Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung of Cranston, Democratic Rep. Camille Vella-Winkinson of Warwick, Rep. Edward Cardillo of Johnston, Rep. Robert Phillips of Woonsocket and Democratic House challenger Natalya Delsanto of Cranston. Delsanto is challenging Rep. Brandon Potter, whom the NRA gave an “F.”
The NRA made no endorsements in any of the statewide races, including the governor’s race. It gave Democratic candidates Gov. Dan McKee, Helena Foulkes and Nellie Gorbea “F” grades. Matt Brown and Luis Daniel Muñoz received a “?” grade.
Republican Ashley Kalus also received a “?.” Her primary opponent got a “B,” but no endorsement.
In the lieutenant governor’s race, Democrats Sabina Matos, Cynthia Mendes and Deborah Ruggiero all got “Fs”
Along with Ruggerio, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi also received a “F.”
Reps. Charlene Lima, D-Cranston; Joseph Solomon, D-Warwick and Arthur Corvese, D-North Providence, received “Bs.”
Sens. Frank Ciccone, D-Providence; Frank Lombardi, D-Cranston and Frank Lombardo, D-Johnston, also got “Bs” from the NRA.
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