Is Linc Chafee More Dem Or GOP - The Early Results

Is Linc Chafee More Dem Or GOP - The Early Results

Who a Governor appoints may be the biggest indicator as to that Governor’s agenda. Ultimately, you never know what someone will do once in office and this is especially true when electing an Independent Governor as there is no party agenda and they are far and few between and their records are wildly diverse.

Independent Governors have come in a range of political ideologies. Most recently, Angus King (I-ME), a former businessman, pushed education reform during his tenure (1995-2003). More strident (and well-recognized) was former Navy SEAL and pro wrestler Jesse Ventura, who served as Governor of Minnesota from 1999-2003. Connecticut also was led by a former moderate Republican Senator turned Independent Governor, Lowell Weicker, who had to over see a government reinvention during historic budget problems in the Nutmeg state – 1991- 1995. In RI, Lincoln Chafee, the former Republican Senator’s early appointments cover a sweeping range of political lineage – some pure partisan Democrats, others from a strong GOP lineage, and some – not so clear.
Independent Governor-elect Chafee has named a wide range of key members to his staff and his cabinet.

We broke them down as to Blue, Red and a even a shade of purple. Their bios, experiences and accomplishments may be a sign of what's in store for the agenda for the next four years:

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

Richard Licht being named Director of Administration caught everyone by surprise – including the former Chafee-family rival and Democratic Lt. Governor in the 1980’s himself. Licht was considered liberal as an office holder (State Senator and Lt. Governor), but turned pragmatist as a corporate attorney and lobbyist. The legacy of Chafee will be defined early based on Licht’s approach to state workers and the unions during a period of difficult budgeting.

Brian Daniels, Chafee’s Policy Director, is a true-blue. Served on the staffs of Democratic Congressmen Jim Langevin and Bob Weygand. Also, has some governmental think-tank experience as a research consultant at RI Public Expenditure Council and previously for New Haven’s Economic Development Corporation. His actions will tell, but his lineage points to a philosophy that could range from liberal Democratic to a Democratic Leadership Council-type.

Charlie Fogarty, former almost-Governor, Democratic Lt. Governor, and State Senate Leader, will be working to develop the policies for getting folks back to work as Director of the Department of Labor and Training. Has critical regulatory authority over regs that effect labor and private employers – look for early signs as to where Fogarty sides. With RI in a serious unemployment hole, Chafee was skilled (and lucky) to get Fogarty on board.

Steven Constantino still needs approval from the Ethics Commission to round the revolving door and take the position of Secretary of the Office of Health and Human Services for Governor Chafee. The former Federal Hill Democratic legislator was the “Power-Broker” in a true Robert Moses-like role as Chair of the House Finance Committee. As a candidate for Mayor this year, his views ranged from progressive to pragmatic. With the state’s budget in tatters he will, if given the green light by Ethics, be called on to find savings in social services.

Chafee’s obsession with Democratic Lt. Governors continues – witness his appointment of the present Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts as chair of the Joint Healthcare Task Force.

The Department of Business Regulations will be headed by Paul McGreevy. His military and business background point to a conservative track record. McGreevy served in the US Navy from 1982-1995, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After the Navy, McGreevy was a consultant KPMG LLP, BearingPoint Inc., and Deloitte Consulting. McGreevy earned a BA in Foreign Affairs and Economics from the University of Virginia, an MA in International Relations from Boston University, and an MA in National Security Affairs from the Naval War College. Not exactly a community organizer.

DEM’s new boss will be Janet Coit. The former John and Linc Chafee staffer has a rich track record as a land manager and preservationist. Her experience revolves almost entirely around GOP appointments – Chafees, Senator Gordon Humphrey (R-NH), and a stint at the Department of Interior.

Michael Lewis was known as transportation pro as DOT Director under Governor Don Carcieri (R-RI) and in Mass primarily served in a range of roles under GOP Governors, including Weld, Cellucci, Swift, and Romney. Count him as a Republican.

Chief of Staff Pat Rogers is a former John Chafee staffer and long-time Chafee-clan supporter. The former East Providence City Councilman voted for RED candidates for Mayor in East Providence and was a supporter of former East Providence Mayor Joe Larisa – who was a strong conservative Republican and former Legal Counsel to Linc Almond.

Catherine Terry Taylor – she wrote the modern RI white paper as to why the GOP needed to be a big tent when she penned a landmark piece for GoLocalProv that was the premonition to her run as a Republican candidate for Secretary of State. She came within a whisper of winning. Another double-Chafee staffer, she did show her GOP loyalty when she supported the Republican candidate for Governor John Robitaille. Taylor will serve as the Director of Elderly Affairs.