Thomas Tobin

Latest Articles

It will not be a dull year!

The governor’s race, gambling, drama on Smith Hill, and more is on tap in 2010
The New Year is shaping up as potent dope for the political junkie.
By DAVID SCHARFENBERG | January 06, 2010

In our first annual list of Rhode Island turkeys, the Phoenix fingers 10 people and institutions that made a bad year even worse
We'd like to be thankful, we really would. Change came to Washington this year and the Mad Men returned.
By PROVIDENCE PHOENIX STAFF | November 22, 2011

Kennedy, Catholic Church, and Politics of Compromise

Reform Dept.
US Representative Patrick Kennedy's confrontation with Providence Bishop Thomas J. Tobin over abortion and health-care reform has soaked up quite a bit of ink.
By DAVID SCHARFENBERG | November 18, 2009

Judging the Judge

Committee Doubting Thompson. Plus, The Bish, Rush, and more.
After reading Sunday’s front page BeloJo story, “Support for R.I. Judge not unanimous,” your superior correspondents have to suspect that everything — absolutely everything — is thoroughly politicized.
By PHILLIPE AND JORGE | October 28, 2009

Equal rites?

Why has Rhode Island lagged behind the rest of New England on same-sex marriage legislation?
New England has made a pretty good case, in recent years, for America's capital of queer.
By DAVID SCHARFENBERG | April 08, 2009

Lynch sides with Bush in opposing shield law

Talking Politics
As he gears up for a gubernatorial run in 2010, Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch has assembled an eclectic and sometimes contrary portfolio of issue-related stances.
By IAN DONNIS | July 09, 2008

Patrick Lynch goes for broke

In gunning for Governor, the term-limited AG has little to lose
One small basketball photo lurks inconspicuously on a far wall in the spacious South Main Street office of Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch.
By IAN DONNIS | January 23, 2008

Bishop’s puzzlement on pro-choice Catholics is misplaced

Clergy matters
Dogma doesn’t pay the rent, feed a hungry child, or pay for medicine; nor do arrogance, hypocrisy, or feigned bewilderment.
By MARY ANN SORRENTINO | January 02, 2008

The ProJo's brave new world

Will going super-local on the Web strengthen the paper?
The Providence Journal is turning to an unlikely source — high school football — for help.
By IAN DONNIS | December 05, 2007

Mass court OKs border crossings for RI same-sexers

Gay marriage
Now that a Massachusetts judge has found that Rhode Island couples can legally marry in the Bay State, same-sex marriage proponents hope the decision will help rally their troops and enhance their case at the General Assembly in the coming year.
By PETER IAN ASEN | October 04, 2006