Senate Democrats Pick Leadership
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Rhode Island Senate Democrats kept some familiar faces on their leadership team.
At a caucus yesterday, Democrats by a near-unanimous vote endorsed M. Teresa Pavia Weed, D-Newport, for re-election as Senate President. She will not formally retain that position until the full Senate votes in January. If she is re-elected it will be her second full term as Senate President.
Democrats also elected Dominick Ruggerio as Majority Leader, replacing Dan Connors, D-Cumberland, who did not seek re-election. Ruggerio, a North Providence Democrat, has served as the Majority Whip since 2003.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“I am very fortunate to have a skillful, farsighted partner in Majority Leader Dominick Ruggerio, and a chamber filled with individuals who are working tirelessly to make Rhode Island a better place,” Paiva Weed said. “I look forward to working together with the members of the Senate to address the challenges our state faces and to continuing to move Rhode Island forward in the coming months.”
Focus on business, budget
“In the coming session, we will look to build upon the successes of this session to make Rhode Island as competitive as possible, help small businesses succeed and create jobs, and develop a responsible budget,” added Ruggerio.
Pavia Weed was endorsed by 27 of the 28 Democrats present. Senator Marc Cote recused himself. Ruggerio was unanimously elected.
Only one Democrat did not attend the caucus—Michael Pinga, D-West Warwick. In addition to the 29 Democrats in the Senate, there are eight Republicans and one independent.
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