Following an incident where Rhode Island State Senator Joshua Miller admitted to keying a car displaying a "Biden sucks" bumper sticker, the state's Republican Party Chairman, Joe Powers, has called for Miller's resignation. Security footage captured the incident at the Garden City Center in Cranston, confirming the account of the car owner's son, who witnessed Miller keying the vehicle. Miller, a 69-year-old Democrat and chairman of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, initially claimed he believed the accuser was one of the "gun nuts" he alleges have been harassing him due to his support for gun control legislation. However, he confessed to the act after police presented him with the video evidence.
Powers expressed his outrage over the incident, emphasizing that a mere bumper sticker shouldn't provoke such destructive behavior. He questioned Miller's judgment and temperament, particularly given his leadership roles in the Senate and his past experience as a business owner. Powers asserted that if Miller were a Republican, he would have faced immediate repercussions from the Democrats. He argued that Miller's resignation would not only demonstrate accountability but also pave the way for a more suitable candidate to serve the constituents. Powers also criticized Miller's attempt to invoke the name of Police Colonel Michael Winquist, claiming that Miller was aware of threats against him, a claim the police department denies.
Mugshot of Rhode Island State Senator Joshua Miller (Cranston Police Department)
The vandalized vehicle (Cranston Police Department)
Close-up of the bumper sticker (Cranston Police Department)
Powers highlighted a previous incident from 2014 where Miller was recorded using profanity towards a gun rights advocate, suggesting a pattern of concerning behavior. He also pointed out the lack of calls for Miller's resignation from prominent Rhode Island Democrats. Powers believes that at a minimum, Miller should be removed from his committee assignments due to his demonstrated lack of leadership skills. Miller is scheduled for re-arraignment on July 18, 2023, and has not yet responded to requests for comment.
