Democrats Fail to Endorse in 3 of 5 General Officer Races

Democrats Fail to Endorse in 3 of 5 General Officer Races

The Rhode Island Democratic Party held its convention on Saturday, but it failed to make endorsements in three of the five races for general officers.

 

Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore and General Treasurer James Diossa received their party's nod, but neither has any significant announced opposition.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

 

The convention was held at the Teamsters' Hall in East Providence.

 

But Governor Dan McKee failed to secure the party's endorsement, as did Lt. Governor Sabina Matos.

 

McKee, in a statement, tried to put the best face on the failure to secure the endorsement. "Today, Rhode Island Democrats delivered a victory for our campaign – 53% to 47% of votes for each candidate, the largest margin in today's endorsement vote – and we will win again in September.  I've never backed down when the work mattered, whether it was taking on Donald Trump, keeping our hospitals open, or defending Rhode Island’s healthcare coverage against all odds,” claimed McKee.

 

Labor failed to deliver for McKee.

 

Former Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong received the most votes, but failed to win enough for the endorsement. This signals a bit of an embarrassment for sitting Lt. Governor Sabina Matos.

“I’m thankful for the support I received at the convention today,” said Xay. “Throughout this campaign, I’ve gotten to listen to Democrats across the state and share my priorities for Rhode Island. Today, our Party showed that they are ready for a lieutenant governor that will act with competence, compassion and urgency.”

 

In the open race for attorney general, State Rep. Joe Solomon won the most votes but failed to secure the endorsement.

 

“We walked into a four-way convention and walked out on top,” said Solomon. “No one earned the party’s endorsement today, but Rhode Island Democrats put this campaign far out in front, and the momentum heading into September is on our side.