Six mayors from Northern Rhode Island gathered Tuesday in a show of support for Lt. Governor Dan McKee. He’s facing a primary challenge next week from Providence State Representative Aaron Regunberg.
McKee served for six terms as Mayor of Cumberland and said that experience informed his priorities as Lieutenant Governor. Standing on the Statehouse steps, he said he has the connections with municipal leaders and the practical experience to keep doing the job.
“Each and every community has its own issues, and unless you know what they are, unless you actually go out and work with them individually, you’re not really paying attention,” McKee said. “You’re not really able to service the men and women, and residents.”
Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt says McKee has elevated the concerns of municipalities.
“As a former mayor himself, he understands the troubles that we may come across, he understands the progress we’re trying to make,” Baldelli-Hunt said. “And he certainly understands what needs to be done in order to make cities and towns successful.
McKee’s primary challenger, progressive Democrat Aaron Regunberg has gotten support from several unions. They include Rhode Island’s two teachers unions and the service employees’ international union. But McKee has maintained support from establishment democrats including Governor Gina Raimondo.