By Dee DeQuattro, WPRO News
Despite speculation, former Republican Gubernatorial candidate John Robitaille will not run for Governor again in 2014.
“I’m a red state guy running for office in a blue state and I am not going to change who I am or what I believe in to win an election. The pundits, the consultants will tell Republicans that in order to win in a state like Rhode Island you have to change your positions on certain things and that’s not me, I am not willing to do that,” said Robitaille.
In 2010 Robitaille had a close second place finish behind Governor Lincoln Chafee in a four-way race. Robitaille grabbed 33.6% of the vote to Chafee’s 36.1%. He lost by 8660 votes.
Robitaille said he will continue his work at Johnston and Wales and helping young people develop entrepreneurial ideas.
“You got to be a pragmatist. Rhode Island is a very blue state and the electorate wants more of the same and you can’t fight that,” said Robitaille.
Robitaille said he is making the announcement because other people are holding back making their own plans because they are waiting for him.
Other Republicans who are speculated as possibilities to mount a run for Governor are Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, VIBCO CEO Karl Wadensten, and former state police superintendent Brendan Doherty.
Robitaille said that he has talked to Fung and believes he is probably considering the idea .
