As a piece of political theater, state Representative Peter Kilmartin’s announcement yesterday for attorney general had a bit of something for everyone. Playing to a crowd of more than 150 friends and relatives at the Portuguese Social Club in Pawtucket, Kilmartin paid homage to his family and home city. Kilmartin attributed his first win for state representative, in 1990, to his late father, who was a well-known former principal in Pawtucket.

Representatives of the State Police and the attorney general's office are scheduled to meet Monday to discuss whether an investigation should be launched of Central Falls City Hall, says Captain David Neill of the State Police.

The meeting was originally set for yesterday or today. Neill says the state police will be represented by the lieutenant in charge of investigating financial crimes.

UPDATE II, 5:31 pm: Healey says Cicione has it wrong.

Michael Healey, Patrick Lynch's spokesman at the AG's office, got back to me a short time ago. He says Republican Party chairman Giovanni Cicione has mistakenly characterized Lynch's stance regarding a possible investigation of his friend, Central Falls Mayor Charles Moreau. Healey says Lynch has been consistent in stating he will recuse himself if a case arises involving Moreau. 

UPDATE: State Police to meet with AG's office.

State Representative Peter Kilmartin, who wasn't ready to talk specifics when we recently looked at campaign fundraising in the AG's race, now says he pulled in more than $65,000 during the last quarter of 2009 -- an amount that roughly ties him with one of his rivals, Joseph Fernandez.

It attracted notice last week when Attorney General Patrick Lynch recommended a rate hike slightly less than that sought by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island. Now, one of the Democrats seeking to succeed Lynch, is taking a different approach:

The dominant role of money in politics can be traced to a single source: the use of paid television advertising to promote candidates, often to the detriment of rivals who have less money in their war chest. Critics believe that last week's US Supreme Court decision on campaign finance will only exacerbate the decision.

State Representative Peter Kilmartin has some fresh hires:

Pawtucket, RI – House Majority Whip and former Pawtucket Police Captain Peter Kilmartin (D-RI), while weighing a run for the office of Rhode Island Attorney General, announced today the hiring of Brett Broesder and Chris Farrell – two staffers that will serve as his management team.

Although the gubernatorial race dominated this week's news, candidates for attorney general have been busily raising money for what promises to be a hard-fought Democratic primary. And based on information provided by the campaigns, either Joseph Fernandez or Peter Kilmartin led the money race in the fourth quarter (the state deadline for final figures is February 1).

There was a rare degree of bipartisan goodwill during today's State House news conference when Governor Carcieri signed the House and Senate bills outlawing prostitution in Rhode Island. The Republican governor was generous in his kind words for the respective Democratic sponsors, Representative Joanne Giannini and Senator Paul Jabour, calling Giannini a "lioness" in her four years of advocacy for the legislation. Giannini, in turn, credited Sue Carcieri with having boosted her spirits during some down moments. The governor also had warm words for AG Patrick Lynch, and vice versa.

Steve Brown, director of the Rhode Island chapter of the ACLU, is a familiar sight at the State House, as political observers know. Next week, the local chapter will mark its 50th anniversary. Details:

Friday, November 6, 2009 ~ 7:00 pm
(cocktails 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm)

The Westin Hotel, Narragansett Ballroom
One West Exchange Street, Providence . . .