McKee promises seamless transition during virus fight

RI Lt. Gov. Dan McKee talks with reporters January 14, 2021 at Chelo’s Bar & Grill in Warwick about issues surrounding his transition, should Gov. Gina Raimondo be confirmed as President-elect Joe Biden’s Commerce Secretary. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Lt. Gov. Daniel McKee, who will take over as governor if Gina Raimondo is confirmed as President-elect Joe Biden’s commerce secretary, says his top priority will be continuing the state’s fight against the coronavirus.

But the Democrat said at a news conference Thursday at a Warwick restaurant that his response to the pandemic will differ in one significant way from Raimondo’s.

While Raimondo has pushed hard to have school districts resume in-person classes, sometimes publicly criticizing districts that resisted bringing students back to the classroom, McKee said he will trust local authorities.