1/30/2026: John Loughlin; week in review

·23 min·2 clips

John Laughlin aims to become Rhode Island's first Republican Lieutenant Governor in 60 years.

The episode opens with John Laughlin explaining his bid to end 60 years of Democratic control in Rhode Island's Lieutenant Governor office. He criticizes the position as a 'useless appendage' and advocates for energy policy changes, specifically proposing a pipeline from the Marcellus Shale Basin to lower natural gas costs. Laughlin argues for nuclear power as a long-term net-zero solution and criticizes net metering benefits for corporate solar farms. The conversation shifts to immigration, where Laughlin insists local law enforcement must cooperate with ICE, citing enforcement under Presidents Clinton and Obama. He addresses electoral strategy, noting his past wins and the need for balance in government. In the second segment, hosts discuss reactions to ICE clashes in Minneapolis, playing a clip of Congressman Jake Auchincloss calling for ICE reform. They note the political shift among moderate Democrats and the Trump administration's response via DHS Director Tom Homan. The hosts then cover the bankruptcy of Roger Williams and Fatima hospitals, highlighting a judge's emotional reference to the Brown University shooting and state efforts to secure a buyer. Finally, they critique Providence Mayor Brett Smiley's absence during a snowstorm cleanup, comparing his approach to former Mayor Buddy Cianci's narrative control, and briefly mention gubernatorial candidate Helena Foulkes' fundraising numbers.

As heard by us

John Laughlin argues that Rhode Island's lieutenant governor can offer a counterweight under one-party rule.

John Laughlin's Republican run for Rhode Island lieutenant governor is framed around a simple question: can an office he calls a "useless appendage" become a real counterweight in a state dominated by one party?

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Why you'd press play

Want John Laughlin's Republican case for Rhode Island lieutenant governor, with his argument about energy costs?

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