State Rep. Robert Craven (D-North Kingstown) abruptly ended his campaign Thursday to be Rhode Island’s next attorney general after news reports focused attention on two old domestic violence incidents.
Craven, 69, issued a brief statement three days after announcing his run to be Rhode Island’s top state prosecutor.
He said he did not anticipate the impact that the last few days would have on his family.
“Although I have been sober for nearly 22 years, the behaviors from that period in my life will always be part of my story,” Craven said. “I must continue to have hope in redemption, not for myself, but for those of us who have made mistakes and who have to have hope in tomorrow. Because my family must always come first, I am ending my campaign today.”
News reports surfaced about how Craven had been twice charged in domestic violence cases in the early 2000s.
The Boston Globe also reported that Craven cited an endorsement from the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, a group that does not make endorsements. Craven later called that an innocent mistake.
While Craven told the Globe that he had not put a hand on his wife in a 2001 incident, an affidavit found by WPRI-TV indicated his wife said that Craven had shoved her to the ground and “grabbed me by the throat and neck.”
Craven chairs the House Judiciary Committee. He was first elected to the House in 2012.
He said he will not decide until next year whether he will seek re-election as a state representative.
Craven’s departure leaves at least two Democrats seeking to succeed Attorney General Peter Neronha, who is prevented by term limits from seeking a third term.
Neronha this week put his support behind Keith Hoffmann, a former prosecutor in his office. State Rep. Jason Knight (D-Barrington) plans to announce on Oct. 6 his run for AG.
