Warwick, RI – Last night the Board of Elections ordered Speaker Nicholas Mattiello to repay $72,067.80, which was the amount illegally spent by his PAC to help his re-election campaign in 2016. The Board also revealed the illegal involvement of Mattiello’s campaign aides with the Shawna Lawton mailer and their refusal to comply with subpoenas.
R.I. Republican Party Chairman Brandon Bell commented: “Illegal conduct marred Speaker Mattiello’s 2016 re-election campaign. Last night, it was shown that his campaign aides illegally coordinated over the Shawna Lawton endorsement mailer. His PAC illegally spent over $72,000 to help to help him get re-elected by 85 mail ballots. This cannot be explained away as a series of honest errors. Mattiello would not be in office today but for this illegal activity. When an elected official breaks the law in order to get re-elected, he needs to leave office.”
Bell continued: “Speaker Mattiello’s 2016 reelection campaign made history. He ran the most expensive race for a seat in the General Assembly in Rhode Island history, approximately $344,137 once the illegal campaign spending by the his PAC is included. Mattiello spent just under $100 a vote. Now his campaign must pay what is probably the biggest penalty ever imposed in Rhode Island campaign finance history. Speaker Mattiello should just give up the gavel and become part of Rhode Island history.”
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced that a Providence man has been sentenced in Providence County Superior Court to serve...
