John Harwood

Latest Articles

State House status

In a purportedly liberal state, the Rhode Island General Assembly has a stubbornly conservative bent. But can progressive politics make a dent in 2010?
Rhode Island voters, for all their supposed insularity, are an increasingly progressive bunch.
By DAVID SCHARFENBERG | August 12, 2009

Uncandid camera

Turning a blind eye at the State House. Plus, the Damkoehlers hit the road
There was an excellent piece on State House security cameras in the May 18 issue of the Urinal by the always-reliable Steve Peoples.
By PHILLIPE AND JORGE | May 20, 2009

And the beat goes on

Hillary Clinton proves the Rasputin of primary politics
All Phillipe + Jorge can say after Tuesday’s presidential primary is that we are overjoyed the Patriots resigned Randy Moss.
By PHILLIPE AND JORGE | March 05, 2008

Clampdown at the Providence Police Department

Esserman imposes tougher standards, but some cops cite inconsistent discipline
At age 42, former Providence Police sergeant Steven Petrella has the look of a besieged man.
By TE-PING CHEN | October 31, 2007

How high can Gordon Fox go?

The progressive practices a balancing act in the socially conservative RI legislature
Although House Majority Leader Gordon D. Fox considers himself a Red Sox fan, he hopes the Yankees win the World Series this year.
By IAN DONNIS | May 09, 2007

Got Members?

RI is overrun by archaic boards and commissions
Post-9/11 Rhode Island has only one state Emergency Management board, while a 1995 statutory commission to examine workplace sexual harassment remains inactive.
By MARY ANN SORRENTINO | January 31, 2007

How will speaker Murphy use his power?

A brain drain, looming deficits, and other challenges await solutions
It was no big surprise when House Speaker William J. Murphy recently presented his wife, Stacey, with a bunch of roses — as thanks, he said, for the nights he had missed dinner while working late at the State House.
By IAN DONNIS | January 10, 2007

Caprios on the rise

Frank and David Caprio could challenge the Lynches as Rhode Island’s leading political family
Like professional athletes employing a well-worn phrase — the familiar expression about focusing on the task at hand and not looking too far ahead — brothers Frank T. Caprio and David A. Caprio strike the same muted tone in separately discussing their respective futures in public life.
By IAN DONNIS | March 02, 2006