Raptakis, a small-business owner from Coventry, is Rhode Island's first Greek American State Senator and the first Greek American to run for Secretary of State. He has so far served two terms in the State Assembly and seven in the State Senate. He has also supported issues of paramount importance for the Greek American community in the legislature, promoting resolutions on behalf of Cyprus and the Pontian genocide, the Hellenic identity of Macedonia and lobbying the government to include Greece on the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.

“As Secretary of State, I am going to be a watchdog for our citizens,” Raptakis said. “I will push the General Assembly to follow their own rules and to follow the Open Meetings Law which local Town Councils and School Committees are required to follow. I will call them out when they don’t follow the rules. And if that doesn’t change their behavior, I will take them to court. And if that doesn’t work, I will push to put a Constitutional Amendment on the ballot to make sure that the people making the laws of our state are required to respect the law themselves.”

Rhode Island will hold primary elections on September 14, ahead of general elections on November 2.

Per Rhode Island State Law, individuals may contribute a maximum of $1,000 per year. Business and corporate checks are prohibited. Secure online donations can also be made at: www.raptakis2010.com.

For more information, contact Erin Arcand at (401) 397-2720, or at erin@raptakis2010.com

NEO magazine has already endorsed Lou Raptakis for Rhode Island Secretary of State.