It looks like the RIGOP might endorse Cool Moose  Robert Healey's candidacy for Lieutenant Governor.  I would certainly support his endorsement, and I suspect many Republicans would feel the same way.  Chairman Gio Ciccione rightly points out that it would be easier for Healey to receive the endorsement if he ran as a Republican, but unfortunately, Healey says that is unlikely.

     Healey's two main reasons for not running as a Republican are his desire to keep money out of politics, and his libertarian social views.  I certainly respect his views, but I do wish he would compromise.  Even though the party accepts contributions, he doesn't need to.  If anything, he would be doing a service for every citizen who wishes major party candidates wouldn't focus on money.  Healey would almost certainly receive more votes as a Republican, and could show what could be done with limited (or no) funds.

     As for his libertarian views, I see no reason why they couldn't find a place in the Republican Party.  I'm a fiscally conservative Republican who favors limited government.  I believe large government leads to excessive taxation, which reduces liberty.  The majority of Republicans would agree with this, but I take my limited government beliefs further.  Just as the government should stay out of our wallets as much as possible, it should also stay out of our personal lives.  That's why I'm also prochoice, support gay marriage (not civil unions), and decriminalization of marijuana.  If you want a limited government, it should be limited in all aspects.

     Hopefully, Robert Healey will see there is a place for him in the party, and that his views would be appreciated by many of us.