Robert A. Watson

For other persons named Robert Watson, see Robert Watson.
Robert A. Watson
Member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives
from the 30th district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 5, 1993
Preceded by David W. Dumas
Member of the Rhode Island Senate
from the 22nd district
In office
January 1989 – January 1991
Preceded by Stephen R. Deutsch
Succeeded by J. Michael Lenihan
Personal details
Born October 14, 1960 (1960-10-14) (age 51)
Political party Republican
Residence East Greenwich, Rhode Island
Alma mater University of Denver, Columbus School of Law
Profession attorney
Religion Roman Catholic

Robert A. Watson (born October 14, 1960) is an American attorney and Republican member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, representing the 30th District since 1992. His district includes parts of East Greenwich and West Greenwich. He is a former House Minority Leader.

Contents

Biography

Watson was born in Rhode Island and he attended Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Denver in 1982, and attended the Columbus School of Law of the Catholic University of America, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree in 1986. Watson is a practicing attorney and member of the Rhode Island and American Bar Associations.[1]

Politics and public service

Watson was first elected a state senator on November 8, 1988, serving one term until January 1991. He served as the chairman of the East Greenwich Republican Town Committee from 1990 to 1992. He was first elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives on 2 November 1992 to the 43rd district, defeating Democrat Linda J. Seiler and Independent David G. Zartarian.[2] Upon downsizing of the House of Representatives from 100 to 75 members in the 2002 election, Watson ran unopposed and was elected to serve in the 30th District.[3] Watson was most recently reelected on 4 November 2008 defeating Democratic challenger Jean Ann Guliano by a margin of 54.5% to 45.5%, winning in eight of nine precincts.[4] Watson has served as Minority Leader since elected by his caucus on 16 November 1998. During to 2009-2010 legislative session, Watson serves on the Health, Education and Welfare Committee and the Joint Committee on Legislative Services.[5]

Private life

Watson was stopped in East Haven, Connecticut at a police checkpoint on Friday, April 22, 2011. He was charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia after it was noted that a strong odor of marijuana was emanating from his car. He was also charged with driving under the influence.[6] After further analysis of his urine by the Connecticut Toxicological Lab, Watson's blood alcohol content was determined to be .07, below the legal limit of .08. Traces of marjiuana and cocaine were also found.[7]

References

  1. ^ "Watson, Legislative Biography". Rhode Island General Assembly. http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Watson/Biography.html. Retrieved 29 August 2009. 
  2. ^ "1992 Election Results". RI Secretary of State. http://www.elections.state.ri.us/elections/results/1992/rireps.php. Retrieved 28 August 2009. 
  3. ^ "2002 election results". RI Secretary of State. http://www.elections.state.ri.us/elections/results/2002/generalelection/disrep.php. Retrieved 28 August 2009. 
  4. ^ "2008 election results". RI Secretary of State. http://www.elections.state.ri.us/elections/results/2008/general_election/races/570.php. Retrieved 29 August 2009. 
  5. ^ "Watson, Legislative Biography". Rhode Island General Assembly. http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Watson/Biography.html. Retrieved 29 August 2009. 
  6. ^ "Robert Watson Faces Drug Charges". Huffington Post. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/25/robert-watson-faces-drug-_n_853236.html. Retrieved 25 April 2011. 
  7. ^ "Police: Test shows cocaine, THC in RI Rep. Watson's urine". The Providence Journal. http://newsblog.projo.com/2011/06/police-test-reveals-cocaine-th.html. Retrieved 30 Septermber 2011. 

External links

Members of the Rhode Island House of Representatives
Speaker of the House: Gordon D. Fox (D) • Speaker pro Tempore: Charlene Lima (D) • Majority Leader: Nicholas Mattiello (D) • Minority Leader: Brian Newberry (R)
   
  1.    John J. McCauley (D)
  2.    Christopher R. Blazejewski (D)
  3.    Edith J. Ajello (D)
  4.    Gordon D. Fox (D)
  5.    John J. DeSimone (D)
  6.    Raymond A. Hull (D)
  7.    Maria E. Cimini (D)
  8.    Michael A. Tarro (D)
  9.    Anastasia P. Williams (D)
  10.    Scott Slater (D)
  11.    Grace Diaz (D)
  12.    Leo Medina (D)
  13.    John Carnevale (D)
  14.    Charlene Lima (D)
  15.    Nicholas Mattiello (D)
  1.    Peter G. Palumbo (D)
  2.    Robert Jacquard (D)
  3.    Arthur Handy (D)
  4.    Joseph M. McNamara (D)
  5.    David A. Bennett (D)
  6.    Eileen S. Naughton (D)
  7.    Frank Ferri (D)
  8.    Robert E. Flaherty (D)
  9.    Joseph A. Trillo (R)
  10.    Jared Nunes (D)
  11.    Patricia Morgan (R)
  12.    Patricia Serpa (D)
  13.    Scott Guthrie (D)
  14.    Lisa Tomasso (D)
  15.    Robert A. Watson (R)
  1.    Doreen Costa (R)
  2.    Laurence Ehrhardt (R)
  3.    Donald Lally (D)
  4.    Teresa Tanzi (D)
  5.    Spencer Dickinson (D)
  6.    Donna M. Walsh (D)
  7.    Samuel Azzinaro (D)
  8.    Brian Patrick Kennedy (D)
  9.    Larry Valencia (D)
  10.    Michael Chippendale (R)
  11.    Michael Marcello (D)
  12.    Stephen Ucci (D)
  13.    Deborah Fellela (D)
  14.    Peter Petrarca (D)
  15.    Rene R. Menard (D)
  1.    Jeremiah O'Grady (D)
  2.    Cale Keable (D)
  3.    Brian Newberry (R)
  4.    Lisa Baldelli-Hunt (D)
  5.    Jon Brien (D)
  6.    Robert D. Phillips (D)
  7.    Karen Macbeth (D)
  8.    Thomas Winfield (D)
  9.    Gregory Schadone (D)
  10.    Arthur Corvese (D)
  11.    Agostinho Silva (D)
  12.    James N. McLaughlin (D)
  13.    William San Bento (D)
  14.    J. Patrick O'Neill (D)
  15.    Elaine Coderre (D)
  1.    Raymond Johnston (D)
  2.    Mary Messier (D)
  3.    Roberto DaSilva (D)
  4.    Helio Melo (D)
  5.    John A. Savage (R)
  6.    Joy Hearn (D)
  7.    Jan Malik (D)
  8.    Richard P. Morrison (D)
  9.    Raymond E. Gallison, Jr. (D)
  10.    John G. Edwards (D)
  11.    Daniel P. Gordon (R)
  12.    Daniel Reilly (R)
  13.    J. Russell Jackson (D)
  14.    Deb Ruggiero (D)
  15.    Peter F. Martin (D)