NEW: Senate Finance Chairman DaPonte Holds on in District 14
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
The Senate Finance committee chairman has held on to his seat.
In arguably most-talked about Senate primary (District 14), Democratic Daniel DaPonte – a key player in last year’s pension reform battle— overcame a challenge from union-backed State Rep. Roberto DaSilva, who voted against pension reform last fall.
DaPonte won the race 53 percent to 47 percent, according to the Board of Elections.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTDaPonte’s victory is likely to be seen as a win for General Treasurer Gina Raimondo and EngageRI, the pro-pension reform group who supported the popular State Senator.
Meanwhile, DaSilva’s loss is a blow for organized labor, which in addition to failing to win the Senate seat, also loses a reliable vote in the House.
Dan McGowan can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter: @danmcgowan.