Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding Representative Gordon

The revelations regarding Representative Gordon and his troubled past are regrettable for all parties involved: for Rep. Gordon, for his family, for the people of Portsmouth, Little Compton, and Tiverton, and for the State of Rhode Island. I sincerely hope that these recent events prompt him to address in a meaningful way the personal difficulties that caused them.

Rep. Gordon has already been expelled by his Republican colleagues from their caucus. Certain minimum standards of conduct must be maintained.

While I commend Rep. Gordon for acknowledging his personal challenges, I concur with Speaker Fox and Minority Leader Newberry that he is no longer able to effectively serve his constituents. Accordingly, it is my view that Rep. Gordon should resign immediately from the Rhode Island House of Representatives.

Some time away from political life may give Rep. Gordon the ability to focus on his own recovery. His arrest and the subsequent attention on his past, however, are a tremendous distraction for our state.