Watson Won't Seek Reelection
The East Greenwich representative, who was arrested twice in the past 14 months and is in recovery for substance abuse, announced he will not run for office again.
East Greenwich representative and former House Minority Leader Robert Watson, will not be seeking reelection this year, projo.com reported.
Watson has been arrested twice in the past 14 months, first in Connecticut for driving under the influence and possessing marijuana. That case is pending. Then earlier this year, Watson was arrested for possessing marijuana in South Kingstown after driving into a snow bank. He pleaded no contest in that case and entered a several-week rehab program shortly after the arrest.
Republicans and Democrats paid the East Greenwich Republican tribute shortly after midnight Wednesday as a House resolution was read honoring his 20 years of service in the chamber, the Journal reported.
"I have no doubt about it, you and I will be friends for the rest of our lives," said House Speaker Gordon Fox.
Dan
1:02 pm on Wednesday, June 13, 2012
So, this guy is essentially leaving his job because he cant seem to stop getting arrested and the house of reps decide to honor him? Wow. Cronyism in it's highest form. No shame.
Marnie
2:42 pm on Wednesday, June 13, 2012
I'm sorry to see this. I was hoping he would fight for the legalization of marijuana. I pray this hasn't brought him too low. He has a lot to offer the community and world. The fact that his feet are of clay doesn't make him a poor leader.
Paul Alexander
1:29 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
I had the pleasure of meeting Bob Watson about five years ago at a mutual friend's funeral. We talked a half-hour before I knew he was a state rep or a Republican or a lawyer -- which is an extremely unfortunate combination in my mind. Yet, he made a huge impression on me as a smart and caring guy, and I am an old Swamper not prone to having 'impressions'. No doubt there are people, for reasons of their own, who seem to relish ripping Mr. Watson's very human failings. I have never spoken to the man since that day, but I do hope this guy rebounds 101% and continues to offer his scrappy voice to the proceedings. He's been right more than once.