John,

We needed you to see this story from A More Perfect Union about progressive candidate Jennifer Rourke, the Rhode Island Democratic Party, and a conservative Democrat caught wearing blackface.

After the incumbent that Jennifer Rourke originally challenged dropped out of the race, the “Rhode Island Democratic Party leaders helped another conservative Democrat get on the ballot to run against Rourke in the 29th Senate District race.”

“Rourke is now facing a challenge from Michael Carreiro, who wore blackface and appears to be a fan of Tucker Carlson. State Democratic party leaders haven’t just refused to support Rourke over Carreiro — they actually went out of their way to help Carreiro get on the ballot, collecting signatures on his behalf after it was revealed he wore blackface.”

John - This is how deep conservative leadership runs in blue states. This example is not anecdotal. Conservatives know they have no choice but to run as Democrats because they can’t win as Republicans. Unfortunately, Democratic leadership has not stood up to this opposition and instead has let conservatives take over.

This is why we’re here. This is why we exist. We need blue states to lead again.

In solidarity,

Downballot Progress