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By Sam Wroblewski, reporting by Andrew Augustus WPRO News
A state teachers and health workers union has endorsed the Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor.
GOP nominee Catherine Taylor accepted the nomination of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals, saying her longstanding support for public schools and her commitment to elderly care workers.
“My reputation for collaborative leadership and some of the initiatives that I wanted accomplished in the role of Lieutenant Governor have drawn the attention of a lot of unions and other groups and their taking a close look at my candidacy and I hope there will be more endorsements,” said Taylor.
Taylor is potentially a favorite for union endorsements in the Lieutenant Governor’s race due to her fostering positive relationships labor leaders during her tenure as Director of Elderly Affairs; compared to her opponent, Democrat Dan McKee, who alienated unions by supporting charter schools in Cumberland.
“I’m really gratified by it,” said Taylor, “I think it’s showing this elections season a lot of the traditional alliances that people had are really falling away and there’s an openness to consider Republicans.”
The McKee campaigned declined to comment.
