Police investigating suspected fraudulent nomination signatures in Rhode Island US House race
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The Rhode Island State Police have joined the investigation into suspect nomination signatures submitted by the campaign of Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, a candidate for the U.S. House seat vacated by former Democratic Rep. David Cicilline.
Election officials in three communities located in the 1st Congressional District this week asked local police departments to investigate suspected fraudulent signatures on nomination papers submitted by the Matos campaign.
The Rhode Island Board of Elections on Friday voted 5-1 to refer all Matos nomination papers to the attorney general for investigation while confirming her place on the special election ballot.
Matos said Friday she is “deeply sorry this happened.”
“This week we have heard reports that a vendor hired by my campaign to help gather signatures engaged in a widespread and outrageous attempt to defraud my campaign, the people of Rhode Island and the Democratic process,” Matos said. “Let me be clear. I did not ask for that. I did not need this.”
Matos said the vendor has been fired and she is cooperating with the state attorney general.
Matos is one of 12 Democrats hoping to succeed Cicilline,
NEWSLETTER
UNSUBSCRIBE ANYTIME
Get Cappers Farmer Delivered Directly To Your Inbox
–>
“Anyone who violated these detailed instructions and the nomination process has no place in our campaign and will be held accountable,” Isaacs said.
The special primary election will be held on Sept. 5. The special general election will be held on Nov. 7.