PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The list of finalists to be Rhode Island’s next lieutenant governor has been trimmed to five, Democratic Gov. Daniel McKee announced Wednesday.
They are state. Rep. Grace Diaz of Providence, who is also vice chair of the state Democratic Party; state Sen. Louis DiPalma of Middletown; former Central Falls Mayor James Diossa; Providence City Council President Sabina Matos; and state Democratic Party treasurer and fundraiser Elizabeth Beretta Perik of Jamestown.
About 80 people, some ordinary citizens and even a television meteorologist, initially applied for the job, and 60 were granted interviews.
The list was cut to 10 last week.
McKee was twice elected lieutenant governor and served in the post for six years befors being sworn in as governor earlier this month when former Gov. Gina Raimondo stepped down after she was confirmed as President Joe Biden’s commerce secretary.
Under state law, McKee can select his own lieutenant governor. The job pays nearly $123,000 annually but has few official duties.
Each finalist will be interviewed by McKee, who is expected to make a decision my mid-April.
