News Summary
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Robert E. Craven Sr. has stepped back from his candidacy for attorney general just days after announcing it. This withdrawal comes amid revelations of past domestic violence incidents, prompting Craven to prioritize his family. Despite maintaining sobriety for 22 years, Craven faces ongoing scrutiny over his past behavior. As he fulfills his current duties, potential candidates like Keith D. Hoffmann and Jason Knight are now stepping forward in the race for attorney general as the political scene evolves in Rhode Island.
North Kingstown, Rhode Island – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Robert E. Craven Sr. has withdrawn from the race for attorney general, just four days after announcing his candidacy. The decision comes amid growing scrutiny over two domestic violence incidents from the early 2000s, raising questions about his qualifications for the role.
The North Kingstown Democrat expressed regret about the recent events, indicating that the fallout had a significant impact on his family. Craven has emphasized that his family is his top priority, and he has decided to not continue his campaign to focus on them. He has been sober for nearly 22 years but recognizes that his past behaviors will always be a part of his personal narrative.
Craven’s decision to exit the race was influenced by a line of questioning from a columnist shortly after launching his campaign. He reported having gone through a troubled marriage with his then-wife in early 2001, which involved issues with alcohol and a pending divorce. During this tumultuous period, the police were called to intervene in a domestic dispute, resulting in Craven being charged with simple assault, a charge he claims was later dismissed.
Records from Family Court reveal that Craven’s wife had sought a domestic restraining order against him, citing instances of verbal and physical abuse, including an incident where he allegedly pushed her to the ground. Local media reported that Craven’s withdrawal coincided with an impending broadcast detailing new developments regarding these incidents.
In addition to the incidents involving his wife, there was another domestic violence complaint involving a different woman during the same time frame, but specific details about this case are less clear as the complaint was later withdrawn. These past events came under scrutiny again during Craven’s initial election to the House in 2012 and a 2014 campaign against a Republican challenger, who sought to bring attention to the domestic incidents.
A representative from the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence refuted Craven’s previous claims of having received their endorsement, further complicating his public position as he launched his campaign. Craven’s professional background includes serving as an attorney at Robert E. Craven & Associates and holding the role of chief of the public corruption unit as an assistant attorney general.
Please note that Craven intends to fulfill his duties to his constituents until the end of his current term, while also indicating that he will postpone any decisions regarding his political future until next year. In light of Craven’s withdrawal, Keith D. Hoffmann has announced his intention to run for attorney general, gaining support from the current Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, who is limited by term restrictions. Additionally, Representative Jason Knight has begun outlining plans for his own campaign for the attorney general position.
As the political landscape evolves in Rhode Island, the implications of Craven’s withdrawal and the subsequent candidacies will be closely monitored, particularly as the state gears up for an upcoming election cycle.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Providence Journal: Craven Ends AG Run
- Boston Globe: Craven Drops Out of AG Race
- Rhode Island Current: Anticipated Field of Candidates
- Boston Globe: Race for RI’s Next Attorney General
- The Westerly Sun: Assistant Solicitor Kicks Off AG Bid
- Wikipedia: Attorney General of Rhode Island
- Google Search: Robert Craven Attorney General
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Attorney General
- Google News: Robert Craven Rhode Island
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
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