By Steve Peoples

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Attorney General Patrick Lynch may have been bailed out last week when cities and towns sued the governor for refusing to release more than $30 million in local aid.

The night before Woonsocket filed suit, Lynch, the state's top law enforcement official, was asked whether he was prepared to enforce state law that requires the governor to distribute the payment on Feb. 1.

Lynch's spokesman, Michael Healey, offered this response after news of the suit had been published: "No one has asked us to weigh in, so we haven't looked at the issue."

The City of Woonsocket assumed the responsibility, filing suit Friday against Governor Carcieri and the two state officials who sign the checks: State Controller Marc A. Leonetti and General Treasurer Frank T. Caprio.

Had Lynch acted first, therefore, his suit would have targeted the current governor and Caprio, Lynch's Democratic opponent in race to become Rhode Island's next governor.
For the record, Caprio says the governor should follow the law and distribute the money.

"I'm eager and ready to press the button to cut the check. I'm just waiting for the paperwork," Caprio said, noting he first needs approval from the Department of Administration and the controller.