The Bridge to Nowhere: Rhode Island’s Governor Faces the Music

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee faces a rematch against Helena Foulkes in the Democratic primary, a contest that has become increasingly contentious due to McKee’s handling of high-profile issues like the Washington Bridge repair project. Four years ago, McKee celebrated his narrow victory over Foulkes with a dismissive comment, but now he’s desperate to avoid becoming the first U.S. governor to lose a primary since 2018.

Foulkes has gained momentum in the campaign, having outraised McKee and flooded the airwaves with ads that paint him as out of touch and ineffective. Her criticism is not unfounded: McKee’s leadership on the Washington Bridge project has been marred by delays and cost overruns, sparking widespread frustration among voters.

The Bridge Debacle

The Washington Bridge saga is a perfect storm of bureaucratic bungling and hubris. Closed for repairs in 2023, the bridge was supposed to reopen months ago but remains stuck in limbo. McKee’s attempts to deflect blame are unconvincing, particularly when compared with more successful infrastructure projects elsewhere.

Adam Myers, a political scientist at Providence College, notes that issues like crime and cost of living can be difficult to pin down due to their complexity. However, bridge sagas have a way of haunting governors because they highlight the responsibility of state government in such matters.

The Corporate Executive as Politician

Foulkes’ background at CVS has become a major target for McKee’s attacks, with the governor accusing her of prioritizing profits over people. However, Foulkes pushes back on this narrative by pointing to her achievements in reducing opioid dispersal by 40% during her tenure as president of CVS’ Pharmacy division.

In reality, Foulkes’ time at CVS has given her a unique perspective on issues facing Rhode Island’s working-class voters. Her warnings about McKee’s attacks driving away major employers like CVS are prescient and underscore the need for politicians who understand corporate responsibility and economic development.

A Governor in Denial

McKee’s strategy of portraying Foulkes as an out-of-touch corporate executive is beginning to backfire. As voters increasingly reject the idea that politics is a game for insiders, McKee’s own record is coming under scrutiny – particularly on issues like job creation and economic growth.

In his zeal to defend his leadership, McKee has become increasingly isolated from the very voters he claims to represent. His attempts to woo labor endorsements have fallen flat, with Rhode Island’s Democratic Party and the state AFL-CIO choosing not to endorse him in the race.

A Governor on the Brink

As the primary battle heats up, it’s clear that Foulkes is gaining traction – and McKee is running out of steam. Will the incumbent manage to cling to power, or will he succumb to the weight of his own mistakes? One thing’s for sure: Rhode Island voters are fed up with the politics-as-usual approach that has left their state struggling on so many fronts.

Foulkes’ campaign has tapped into this sentiment, and she now finds herself in a strong position. As she notes, “It’s a great moment to be an outsider.” And if McKee can’t figure out how to connect with the people he’s supposed to serve, then perhaps it really is time for him to step aside – and let someone else take the helm.