‘Some people are going to try to cheat’: John Marion on political corruption in Rhode Island

One On One With Ian Donnis · Apr 13, 2026 · 7m

In nearly 20 years as executive director of the nonpartisan good-government group Common Cause Rhode Island, John Marion has scored a number of victories in his role as the organization’s chief legislative advocate. He spearheaded successful efforts to reform the state’s campaign finance laws, mandate post-election audits, and to restore the jurisdiction of the state Ethics Commission over the General Assembly.

During that time, Rhode Island has gained national attention for several political scandals, which has raised questions about the quality of government oversight. Marion…