McKee says he’s “certainly interested” in running for lieutenant governor in 2014
Cumberland Mayor Dan McKee appears headed toward a run for lieutenant governor in 2014.
“I’m not ready to announce, but I certainly am interested in that position,” McKee said during a taping this morning of RIPR’s Political Roundtable. The segment will air Friday at 5:40 and 7:40.
While critics call the LG’s office unnecessary and wasteful, McKee argues otherwise:
“Policy really is very important for the state, and I think that’s a really good spot to not only create policy but actually generate the conversation that needs to be had. So I see that as a very good spot to be in this time frame for Rhode Island that’s in dire need of kind of keeping its sight on what’s right.”
Term limits preclude Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts from seeking re-election in 2014. Barring an unexpected departure for Governor Lincoln Chafee, Roberts appears poised to make an exit from politics.
Secretary of State Ralph Mollis is also a prospective Democratic candidate for LG in 2014.
McKee has built a profile as a center-right Democrat befitting Cumberland’s place in the Blackstone Valley. He has been a vocal supporter for mayoral academies, a different kind of public school.
During our Bonus Q+A (set to air at 6:40 and 8:40 am Friday), McKee said he supports same-sex marriage and hopes it’s approved quickly. He said he is not opposed to putting the issue to a statewide vote — a process sharply opposed by some advocates.
UPDATE: Ray Sullivan, campaign director for Marriage Equality Rhode Island spoke with McKee after his appearance on RIPR; Sullivan says he doesn’t consider McKee a supporter of putting same-sex marriage to a statewide vote.
On Politics 
Well, that’s interesting. If Mr. McKee is eying statewide office, he should make a concerted effort to be clear about his views. If he says he is not opposed to a referendum, that can get interpreted as a sign of weakness among people who believe in marriage equality and think it insulting that basic rights should have to be put up to a statewide vote. Lest there be any misunderstanding about my views, Let me state that I am among those people. M. Charles Bakst
“He has been a vocal supporter for mayoral academies, a different kind of public school.”
There are basically charter schools by another name. Some are filled with kids just out of school with little to no training in teaching as well.