Listen to our Q&A with legislative candidate Shawna Lawton.
Shawna Lawton is one of two Republicans running for the chance to take on House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello for his Cranston state rep seat in November. Lawton will square off in the September primary with fellow Republican Steven Frias. Lawton said she does not plan to debate Frias.
She said her focus for now is speaking with voters.
“My job right now on the campaign trail is to understand what people are struggling with and to listen and to should I be elected, represent their voice,” said Lawton. “And I don’t feel it necessary to debate him.”
Lawton said there needs to be more turnover on Smith Hill.
“We need to get people elected that have not been in the system, have a different outlook on the issues, who will look at things in a more creative, innovative way,” said Lawton.
Lawton and Frias will square off in the primary election on September 13. The winner of that race will go up against Mattiello for his Cranston state rep seat in November.
Frias joined RI Public Radio for an interview earlier this month.
