by Doug MacGunnigle, WPRO News
Shawna Lawton, former Republican candidate for General Assembly District 15, the home district of Democrat House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello, has announced that she is now supporting Speaker Mattiello in his race against Steven Frias, who defeated Lawton soundly in a primary race.
Lawton sent mailings to voters in the district (see above and below) saying she has “serious concerns about the intentions of Steve Frias.”
“As I look more and more, and I think about who would be the best candidate in this district, from the research I’ve done, Nick Mattiello is the clear choice.” Lawton told WPRO’s Dan Yorke Thursday afternoon.
Lawton told Yorke that her motive for the mailings was “to have a voice” in the race. Lawton cited opposition from the state GOP to her campaign “from the beginning.”
When asked how the mailings were paid for despite a negative campaign account, Lawton told Yorke that her campaign finance report “will be available January 31.”
Yorke asked Lawton directly if the Mattiello campaign or people know to be associated with the Mattiello campaign helped to finance the mailings. Lawton answered both questions with “no.”
LISTEN TO THE FULL CONVERSATION BELOW:
