Taylor, McKee Victorious in RI Primary for Lieutenant Governor

Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts was not able to seek re-election due to term limits

Cumberland Mayor Dan McKee has scored an upset victory in a three-way race for the Democratic nomination for Rhode Island lieutenant governor.

The six-term mayor defeated Secretary of State Ralph Mollis and departing state Rep. Frank Ferri in Tuesday's primary. Mollis had led in the polls and enjoyed the most name recognition.

McKee says he represents a new way of thinking and would use the office to boost the state's economy. His support of "mayoral academy" charter schools won him the ire of unions, which worked to defeat him.

Both McKee and Ferri had criticized Mollis' handling of hearings into possible lobbying violations related to 38 Studios. They both accused him using the issue during the campaign for political gain.

McKee will face Republican Catherine Taylor in November. 

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