EDITORIAL: McKee Has a Mandate

EDITORIAL: McKee Has a Mandate

Make no mistake about it -- Dan McKee has a mandate.

He beat back multiple Democratic challengers in the primary who combined to spend nearly $10 million to tell Rhode Islanders what a bad guy McKee was. Helena Foulkes spent $1.4 million of her own money to spread the message.

Some of the hype was based on overblown reporting on Tony Silva, McKee’s chief of staff, and the ILO contract. Dozens and dozens of stories that turned out to be all for naught. 

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Then, Republican Ashley Kalus dipped into her own pocket for $4.7 million.

McKee blew Kalus out. Winning by nearly 30% points, McKee’s victory was the largest margin in 30 years.

In 1992, then-Governor Bruce Sundlun beat Republican Betty Leonard 62% to 34%.

But, what has been lost this election is that McKee won with more votes than any other governor in 30 years.

 

Dan McKee: 207,166 votes in 2022

 

Gina Raimondo: 198,122 in 2018

 

Gina Raimondo: 131,899 in 2014

 

Lincoln Chafee: 123,571 in 2010

 

Don Carcieri: 189,666 in 2006

 

Don Carcieri: 181,327 in 2002

 

Lincoln Almond: 156,180 in 1998

 

Lincoln Almond: 171,194 in 1994

 

A Legacy of Education

Now, McKee has his opportunity to build a legacy.

No governor has more experience in improving education than McKee. He had one of the most significant successes in recent Rhode Island educational history with the creation of the Mayoral Academies.

Now, Rhode Islanders have come to the painful realization that the state’s schools are simply not competitive, and thus, Rhode Island’s economy is not capable of producing the workforce necessary for a vibrant future.

It is critical to remember — McKee won more than 207,000 votes.

Speaker Joe Shekarchi received 3,416, and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio won 6,892 votes.

McKee has a rare opportunity to transform Rhode Island’s future.

Voters gave him a mandate.