PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - House Majority Leader Nicholas Mattiello (mat-ee-EHL’-oh) has claimed he has enough votes to succeed Gordon Fox as Rhode Island speaker but a would-be challenger is denying that, saying he has lined up the necessary support.
Mattiello told The Associated Press on Saturday he believes he has the votes needed to win a vote as soon as Tuesday. He wants Rep. John DeSimone to be majority leader.
But WPRI-TV reports Rep. Michael Marcello (mar-SELL’-oh) is claiming the support needed to assume the speakership. Rep. Christopher Blazejewski is his pick for majority leader.
People were interested in these podcasts
Fox announced his resignation as speaker Saturday and said he won’t seek re-election. The announcement came a day after federal and state authorities raided his Statehouse office and home. Authorities have not said whom or what they are probing.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.