The party has dominated politics in Rhode Island for the past five decades.

In 1980, Rhode Island was one of only six states to be won by incumbent president Jimmy Carter.

In the 2000 presidential election, Democrat Al Gore won 61% of the popular vote in the state.

[2] An analysis of Gallup polling data shows the Democratic advantage over the Republican Party in Rhode Island voters plunged between 2008 and 2011.

[3] The Democratic advantage over the Republican Party in Rhode Island slid from 37 percentage points in 2008 to 16, according to Gallup.