Robert E. Quinn graduated from Brown University in 1915 and earned his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1918. He served in the U.S. Diplomatic Intelligence Service during World War I in England and France. Following his military service, Quinn practiced law in Rhode Island. His political career included multiple terms in the Rhode Island Senate and a tenure as Lieutenant Governor, culminating in a governorship.

Robert E. Quinn's political philosophy is characterized by a blend of traditional values and progressive pragmatism, often surprising his contemporaries. His legislative record reveals an unexpected convergence with opposing factions on environmental regulations, hinting at a highly calculated approach to protecting regional industrial interests. Quinn's rhetoric frequently emphasizes localism, balancing national policy debates with a focus on Rhode Island's unique needs.