McKee Hosts Record Fundraiser on Monday — Raises $100,000

McKee Hosts Record Fundraiser on Monday — Raises $100,000

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee’s inner circle was overjoyed with the turnout at Monday night's political fundraiser at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick. 

Chief-of-Staff Tony Silva told GoLocal McKee's fundraisers are getting bigger and bigger and this was "the biggest.”

GoLocal attended the fundraiser and will attend other gubernatorial candidates' fundraising events from a news coverage standpoint. GoLocal and its managers and journalists do not make political donations.

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Jerry Sahagian, chair of McKee’s campaign finance committee, said that between a private reception hosted by Carpianato Group’s CEO Kelly Coates and the main fundraiser, the events combined attracted nearly 400 people. 

And, McKee’s campaign spokesman Michael Trainor told GoLocal, “Between the private event and the main fundraiser, the event raised an estimated $100,000 when all the checks get counted.”

For McKee, increasing his pace of fundraising is critical to winning reelection. Presently, he trails Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, and General Treasurer Seth Magaziner in campaign funds. The four are expected to go head to head in the Democratic primary in September of 2022.

At the end of the first quarter, Nellie Gorbea had $546,538.62 cash on hand.

Elorza has $955,313.43 cash on hand and Magaziner has $1,297,770.28, but also carries $701,500.00 personal loan to the campaign. 

McKee at the end of the first quarter report reported $450,367.72 cash on hand.

 

Who Was in Crowd...Who is Endorsing Mckee

In the crowd were Mayors -- Johnston's Joseph Polisena; Pawtucket's Don Grebien, Woonsocket's Lisa Baldelli Hunt, and Central Falls' Maria Rivera.

Former Providence Mayor Joe Paolino said he is supporting McKee for Governor. He is the Democratic National Committeeman for RI.

Some of the top lobbyists were in attendance. Former Speaker of the House Bill Murphy was in attendance and told GoLocal, "I fully support Governor McKee for reelection."

Former Republican Senate Minority Leader and lobbyist Bob Goldberg said he too is supporting McKee.

George Zainyeh, the former top aide to U.S. Congressman Patrick Kennedy and Governor Lincoln Chafee, was part of the crowd.

The food was passed and hors-d'œuvres included scallops wrapped in bacon.