BOSTON (Standard&Poor's) March 7, 2014--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its rating on Newport, R.I.'s general obligation (GO) debt to 'AA+' from 'AA', based on its local GO criteria released Sept. 12, 2013. "The stable outlook reflects our view of Newport's focus on maintaining strong operating flexibility," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Victor Medeiros. A pledge of the city's full faith credit and credit secures the bonds. RELATED CRITERIA AND RESEARCH Related Criteria USPF Criteria: Local Government GO Ratings Methodology And Assumptions, Sept. 12, 2013