GoLocalProv Endorsement: Lt Governor

GoLocalProv Endorsement: Lt Governor

The contest for Rhode Island lieutenant governor is between a traditional liberal Democrat and a combo Republican -- part traditional Republican and part unapologetic supporter of Donald Trump, whose brazen lies and demagoguery continue to poison America’s civic and political life. 

Sabina Matos came up through ward politics in Providence, rising to the presidency of the City Council.

As the leader of the council, she was often effective in opposing some of Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza’s most ridiculous proposals. Her most disturbing moment was her advocacy of the “defund the police” movement, a position she has long since reversed. But that stand in 2020 is burnt in many people's memories.

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For the past 18 months, She has served as a true partner to Gov. Dan McKee.

Aaron Guckian, her Republican foe, started his political career as a junior staffer for Republican Gov. Don  Carcieri.  He has worked in a number of positions as a mid-level banker and as a development officer for the Rhode Island Foundation. All solid work but none of it particularly useful experience for a lieutenant governor, a position that, of course, can unexpectedly propel someone into the governorship at a moment's notice.

Raimondo and most of her predecessors did poorly in preparing their lieutenant governors to take over. McKee, on the other hand, has done an excellent job readying Matos for that possibility while having her assist him in various ongoing duties.

Matos is a decent person, well experienced, in these challenging times and in her job, she deserves a full term.