It's decision time for Speaker Shekarchi in the Rhode Island governor's race
It was the kind of pragmatic approach that Shekarchi prides himself on taking. He came across as one of the few adults in the State House without risking virtually any of his own political capital, and he landed on the right side of an issue that
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Which, like it or not, is exactly the kind of governor Shekarchi would be.
Now that the
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During an interview with WPRO's Gene Valicenti
'Whatever decision I make will be based on what I think can be effective and good for myself and the people of Rhode Island, and it will not be not determined on who else is in the race or whatever everyone else is doing,' Shekarchi said.
You have to be fluent in Shekarchi-speak to understand the message there.
He no longer cares that incumbent Democratic Governor Dan McKee says he's running for reelection. He can read a poll as well as anyone in the state – a recent University of New Hampshire poll found McKee's
He also doesn't care that
Conventional wisdom holds that Foulkes, the former CVS executive who surged late in the 2022 primary, would benefit from a split between McKee and Shekarchi — making her the outsider versus two insiders.
But Foulkes' path to victory would be made cloudier by Shekarchi entering the race, consolidating labor support, and pushing McKee out of the race. There's a reason she jokes to her supporters that she doesn't want McKee to call it quits.
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That's not to say Shekarchi would be a lock to win a Democratic primary, either.
He's quickly establishing himself as one of the best House speakers in generations, but he's untested when it comes to statewide elections. There are legitimate questions about whether he can take a political punch, as he can be sensitive to even mild criticism.
But if you want to know how Shekarchi would lead the state, look no further than the gun issue.
He's not a fan of splashy theatrics, and prefers to reach compromise rather than digging in his heels simply to make a point. He moved the ball forward without making enemies, and without having to sacrifice anything politically.
Getting things done without making enemies is something Shekarchi knows how to do. The question is whether Democratic voters want a dealmaker or a fighter.
Dan McGowan can be reached at
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