Progressive Group Calls for Members to Abstain From Voting for Shekarchi for Speaker
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Progressive Group Calls for Members to Abstain From Voting for Shekarchi for Speaker
The Cooperative stated, “Joe Shekarchi has proven himself time and time again to be firmly aligned with corporate interests and against the public good. Now that there will be no formal challenge to his leadership it is imperative that legislators abstain from voting for Rep. Shekarchi for Speaker.”
“As Nick Mattiello’s handpicked number two and the architect of his disastrous speakership, Joe Shekarchi represents nothing more than a continuation of the corruption we have seen under past Speakers. Since assuming the position of Majority Leader in 2017, Shekarchi has collected over 300 donations from lobbyists. Like his predecessors he remains beholden to these lobbyists, the fossil fuel companies, and the out-of-state corporations that have funded his campaign warchest,” added the group.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“A vote to abstain matters. In 2019, 19 abstentions led to the creation of the Reform Caucus. This year, every legislator who votes to abstain will put themselves on the side of the growing movement to finally end corruption and corporate control in our state and build the path toward a governing majority devoted to serving the people,” the group said in conclusion.
Shekarchi said "I am grateful for the broad support and kindness I’ve received from so many members of the Democratic Caucus. I look forward to working with every House member and the inclusion of their many viewpoints, as I always have done. We will all work together to serve our constituents and the State of Rhode Island.”
Editor's Note: This story was updated a 8:48 PM