Rhode Island Senate President Dominick Ruggerio received a strong vote of confidence Thursday during a Democratic caucus to continue in the top job in the chamber, although some senators said concerns about Ruggerio’s health and his ability to lead could remain an ongoing issue.
Ahead of a formal vote when the General Assembly starts a new session in January, Ruggerio won the support of the caucus on a 23-9 tally, with Sen. Ryan W. Pearson (D-Cumberland) losing his challenge to become president.
“That was interesting,” Ruggerio, 75, the longest-serving member of the legislature and still visibly weak from a battle with cancer and other health issues, quipped after winning the support of his caucus. “I haven’t been through anything like that.”
A few marks were visible on Ruggerio’s face, the result, his spokesman said, of accidentally banging into a cabinet.
This story was reported by The Public’s Radio. You can read the entire story here.
