Ascencao steps down from seat

Posted 12/5/18

Shortly after 5 p.m. Wednesday, embattled state Rep.-elect Laufton Ascencao issued a statement declaring his intention to step down from the District 68 seat he won a month ago. Following is his …

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Ascencao steps down from seat

Posted

Shortly after 5 p.m. Wednesday, embattled state Rep.-elect Laufton Ascencao issued a statement declaring his intention to step down from the District 68 seat he won a month ago. Following is his statement:

"I have spent most of my adult life fighting to improve people’s lives. I’ve given everything I had, whether on political races or on issue campaigns that move working people forward. It has been the joy of my life to do this work. Nothing has ever made me as proud as helping people organize, step up, and make a difference in their communities.

"In the last few days, as I have taken time to really reflect on the actions that I deeply regret, I have realized that my personal priorities are no longer what they should be. Viewing the inability to get a political mailer sent in time as a personal failing is a pretty silly way to see the world. Trying to cover it up was a mistake so unnecessary that it’s clear to me that my judgement has become skewed.

"Taking the time in recent days to be with the people I love and who love me has only made that clearer. That’s why I’ve decided to not assume my seat as State Representative.

"The elected officials I admire most are not those who best promote themselves, but those who never stop thinking about the people they represent. I’ve spoken to lots of the people I hoped to represent and it is clear that, given my mistakes, I cannot represent our shared values at the State House as well as I would want to and as they deserve.

"Values to me are not just catch phrases used on a campaign; they are the only good reason to get involved in politics. When an elected official doesn’t live up to those standards, it’s important that the community be able to hold them accountable. I messed up and I need to own that.

"I apologize to the voters who gave me their support. I let you down and I will continue to try to make amends even though I am not assuming the position. I hope to live up to the faith you placed in me by continuing to try to make a difference.

"My mistakes were my own and does not reflect the passion and commitment of the community members, activists, and leaders I have been proud to work alongside for years. I have complete faith in the future of our state because I know they are involved."

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A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Jim graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1982 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1986. He's worked two different stints at East Bay Newspapers, for a total of 18 years with the company so far. When not running all over town bringing you the news from Portsmouth, Jim listens to lots and lots and lots of music, watches obscure silent films from the '20s and usually has three books going at once. He also loves to cook crazy New Orleans dishes for his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their two sons, Jake and Max.