Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

By Katherine Gregg, Journal State House Bureau

Democratic Party chairman William Lynch is hoping to join his brother, Patrick -- the state's attorney general -- in the top prosecutorial ranks.

Lynch, the party chairman, confirmed today having sent the state's senior U.S. senator, Jack Reed, a letter, expressing his interest in becoming U.S. Attorney for Rhode Island, and getting a letter of recommendation from -- of all people -- state Republican chairman Giovanni Cicione.

Cicione would not make his letter public but acknowledged sending it to Reed to convey his belief that despite his current partisan role, he believes "Lynch is more than capable of being fair.'' And Lynch noted that former U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee's onetime nominee, Bradford Gorham -- who ultimately withdrew his name for health reasons -- was a sitting Republican state chairman when he was nominated, so there is precedent.

Lynch, 51, spent two years working under former Atty Gen. Dennis Roberts, as a special assistant attorney general and head of Roberts' consumer protection division. He now has what he describes as a general litigation practice.

Asked how Rhode Islanders should view the prospect of two brothers serving as the top state and federal prosecutors, he said, there would probably not be much of an overlap since confirmations take time, and his brother, Patrick Lynch, is in the last two years of his second and final term. Beyond that, "I've always felt the U.S. attorney and the attorney general's office should work very closely...(so) I don't see where that should be an issue.''

Lynch said he was prompted to throw his name in after getting a call from "someone connected with the Obama soon-to-be administration,'' whom he would not identify. The job is currently held by Bush-era nominee Robert Clark Corrente, who is expected to be replaced by a Democratic nominee.

The brothers, from the storied Pawtucket Lynch family, actually split during the presidential primary sweepstakes, with Bill Lynch initially supporting U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton and brother Patrick supporting President-elect Barack Obama. Bill Lynch said he "talked to [President-elect] Obama personally about why I committed to Hillary early on and I think they were fine with that.''

 Tags  Corrente Patrick Lynch Reed Rhode Island

Comments

joyce12 said:

Oh brother ! Well at least Cicilline will be happy if Bill Lynch is appointed.He's sure to continue the agreement giving the Cicilline clan carte blanche in return for ousting Cianci,who by the way,needed to be removed from office.Yet,anyone who knows the Cicillines have to be wondering how they,under any circumstances or for any reason,could collaborate with US Atty.It bogles the mind!

Link | January 13, 2009 7:13 PM
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joyce12 said:

Now that I think about it ,to put someone, who would be clearly over his head,in such an important position would inadvertently provide carte blanche to plenty of people who,to put it politely,are less than law abiding.

Link | January 13, 2009 7:19 PM
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pod said:

Lynch's current position as party chairman requires him to do the standard "republicans are devils" speeches, etc. and masks his considerable interpersonal and political skills. During his extended tenure as state Chairman there have been none of the foodfights that formerly plagued the party. This is not a coincidence. He is a thoughtful, well-spoken, ethical person whose skill set qualifies him well for the position. After 25 years of observation I regard him as an atypical politician in that he is trustworthy and approachable. His appointment would concern more than a few of our present officials once the gloves come off.

Link | January 13, 2009 8:26 PM
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