John Robitaille wins Republican nomination for Rhode Island governor, defeats Victor Moffitt

Robitaille wins GOP nomination for RI governor

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — John Robitaille (ROH’-bih-teye) has won the Republican nomination for Rhode Island governor.

Robitaille is a former communications aide to outgoing Rebublican Gov. Don Carcieri (kuh-CHEER’-ee). He defeated former state Rep. Victor Moffitt on Tuesday for the party’s nomination.

Robitaille proposes tax cuts and a constitutional amendment to limit property tax increases.

He joins a crowded field in the general election including Democrat Frank Caprio, independent Lincoln Chafee and Moderate Party founder Ken Block are all running.

There was no Democratic primary because the party fielded only one candidate. Democrats outnumber Republicans by more than 4 to 1 in Rhode Island.

Carcieri is finishing out his second and final term.