Our royalty

Their royalty

Michelle Kwan ” figures” to prove ” medal” on campaign.

State on ” thin ice” needs a boost.

3-way primary could become 4-way.

Governor Pell then Senator Pell?

There has been no formal announcement but it seems all systems are ” go” for Clay Pell to enter the Democrat primary for Rhode Island Governor in 2014. Clay Pell is a JAG officer, grandson of Senator Pell, and married to international Olympic champion Michelle Kwan. Clay graduated from Harvard, went to Georgetown Law, and is an officer in the Coast Guard. His wife is an international figure,dynamic speaker and has powerful friends like Hillary Clinton and Condi Rice. Clay Pell has an impressive resume, the Pell name, and incredible resources of money and contacts. Michelle Kwan is the ” X” factor of the equation. Rhode Island is a desperate state in need of hope and direction. The state has the highest unemployment in New England, and over 80% feel the state is headed in the wrong direction. Rhode Island loves celebrity (Patrick Kennedy,Curt Schilling) and the idea of a ” royal” couple ruling the state would be very appealing to voters who feel the local politicians are all ” 

crooks”.The image of a young power couple ,who had wedding pictures in People Magazine, raising a family in Rhode Island is an intangible the other candidates cannot touch.  Think of the people who went to college because of a “Pell” grant, and you have the last name of a person who made a difference .

So what happens in a primary? It is unknown, however the first causality is Providence Mayor Angel Taveras. Pell has unlimited money, and his family has the real loyalty of the” liberal elite”. Michelle Kwan would be amazing on the campaign trail ,working with inner city kids, and “holding court” at the ice rink downtown  next to Providence City Hall.  However, a field of ” 3 ” could quickly become “4” since 20% could win the race.  Clay Pell is smart to see that the road to claim the senate seat held by his Grandfather ,runs thru Smith street. Follow John DePetro on WPRO and follow DePetro.com.

Pell Bridge to Newport

Clay with his dad and the legends of the party