GoLocalProv Exclusive: Who Will the GOP Endorse at Convention?

GoLocalProv Exclusive: Who Will the GOP Endorse at Convention?

In a state where Republicans are decidedly in the minority, Republicans face crowded races for some state and federal offices.

This Wednesday at the state the convention, the Rhode Island Republican Party will pick sides in three primary battles—Second Congressional District, governor, and lieutenant governor.

One of the biggest questions is whether Republicans will endorse a candidate from another party who wants to eliminate the office that he is seeking—Cool Moose Party candidate Bob Healey who is running for lieutenant governor.

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Healey had sought the official GOP nod, but now the party is expected instead to endorse Heidi Rogers, a former Foster Town Council President who has also pledged to eliminate the office, according to a state party official who spoke with GoLocalProv on the condition of anonymity. Rogers will face Bob Tingle in the Sept. 14 Republican primary.

In the Second District Congressional race, Republicans will likely endorse Mark Zaccaria over primary contenders Michael Gardiner and Bill Clegg. And Republican candidate for governor John Robitaille is expected to win the official backing of the party over Victor Moffitt, according to the official.

The state nominating committee met on Sunday and voted to recommend all of the above candidates to the convention, which is being held Wednesday 6 p.m. at the Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Warwick.

Candidates who are running unopposed are expected to receive the formal endorsement of the party. They include:

John Loughlin for the First District Congressional Seat

Erik Wallin for Attorney General

Catherine Taylor for Secretary of State

Kerry King for General Treasurer.