Foulkes Enters Rhode Island Governor Race Debate With 5 Times McKee's Cash
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Aug 8
Foulkes Enters Rhode Island Governor Race Debate With 5 Times McKee's Cash
2 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Aug 8
Summary
A fiery radio debate sharpened Rhode Island's Democratic governor contest, with Gov. Dan McKee casting Helena Foulkes as a corporate executive out of touch with working voters.
Five times more cash on hand as of July 31 has given Foulkes a major edge, even as McKee tries to blunt it with attacks over her CVS record and the opioid crisis.
Labor support remains split: McKee has lined up teachers, firefighters, building trades and Planned Parenthood Votes! Rhode Island PAC, but the SEIU State Council backed Foulkes.
The state Democratic Party and Rhode Island AFL-CIO declined to endorse, and some local Democratic leaders have moved to Foulkes, reflecting frustration that could turn incumbency into a liability.
The race is becoming a test of whether McKee can survive voter anger tied to a bridge controversy by leaning on a working-class, union-backed message against a better-funded business rival.