The political chain reaction set off by Governor Gina Raimondo’s reported decision to accept President-elect Joe Biden’s nomination was US Commerce Secretary appears to have reached the Sakonnet area.

With Lieutenant Governor Dan McKee preparing to take over as governor, District 12 Senator Lou DiPalma has expressed interest in moving in the lieutenant governor seat.

According to a state Supreme Court decision made over 20 years ago, appointing a new lieutenant governor to serve until the next election would be a task for the governor — which in this case would be Dan McKee.

Asked about the possibility, Senato DiPalma replied …

“I’ve been thinking about exploring/pursuing the 2022 lieutenant governor race for some time.  Exploring is the operative word. Anyone who knows me I'm firmly believe in planning, which is why I had begun the process.

“I’m looking to see how I can best do for RI what I've been able to do for District 12 for the last 12 years, and prior to that for four years for the Town of Middletown, while a councilor there.
“I will bring a steady voice to this office that focuses on kitchen table issues important to families - education, job security, lower taxes, environment and safe neighborhoods.

“Rhode Islanders have been significantly been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to need proven, results-driven leadership to address the challenges which have manifested themselves in every facet of the lives of all Rhode Islanders.

“With four decades of defense industry experience leading large projects/teams and solving complex problems, and my two decades of public service, with a keen understanding of the vast majority of the operation of state government, including our state’s budget and associated policies, I can step into the job on day one, hitting the ground running.

“Having come to Rhode Island four decades ago, my wife and I choose to stay here and raise a family. We now have two daughters who stayed in the state, married and have families of their own.  I want to see this for all Rhode Island families.

“While the RI Constitution states the governor and lt. governor run independently, it is my belief the governor and lt. governor, going forward, will work hand-in-hand.  I welcome the opportunity to collaborate and partner with Gov. McKee.

I am excited about the opportunity to serve all Rhode Islanders navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic and into a HEALTHY and more prosperous future.”

Senator DiPalma has represented Tiverton, Little Compton, Newport and Middletown in the District 12 Senate seat since 2008. 

He is presently the senior deputy majority leader of the RI Senate, first vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and a member of the Senate Committee on Education.

 He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from Bridgeport University and a master’s degree in computer science from Brown University. He is employed as a technical director at Raytheon. He and his wife, Margaret, have two children.