McKee Faces Numerous Attacks In Contentious Democratic Primary Debate

PROVIDENCE, RI — The race for governor of Rhode Island on the Democratic side became combative Wednesday night, with frequent attacks, especially towards incumbent Dan McKee.

McKee faced Helena Foulkes, Matthew Brown, Nellie Gorbea and Luis Daniel Munoz in the one-hour debate held at Johnson & Wales University. He was frequently targeted, especially over the FBI's investigation into the $5.2 state contract his administration gave the ILO Group to help open schools. The consulting firm reportedly had ties to one of McKee's closest advisors.

Former Secretary of State Brown gave the sharpest criticisms toward McKee, arguing the governor has a real shot at being indicted and creating a scandal if the current governor stays in office.

"The fact is more than one-third of FBI criminal investigations end with an indictment," Brown said.

McKee maintained the accusations from his fellow Democrats were "lies and false attacks."

"I know what I've done and what I haven't done," McKee said. "Every decision I made was in the best interest of Rhode Island."

Over the course of the debate, Brown repeatedly asked McKee if he would resign if indicted. McKee refused to answer the question, calling the question "very desperate."

"There's no need to answer the question if it's never going to happen," McKee said after Brown asked at least three times throughout the debate.

McKee also faced criticisms for making the tie-breaking vote to authorize using $60 million in taxpayer subsidies to go towards building a soccer stadium in Pawtucket. Candidates questioned if Pawtucket can afford its eight-figure contribution and if that was the best way to use the money.

"We have to move away from an economic development policy that is the shiny object and that benefits the very few, to one where we are investing in local businesses, addressing the housing crisis, education and climate change," said Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea.

McKee responded by accusing his opponents of abandoning Pawtucket and questioning Mayor Don Grebian's decision-making.

"I think they know how to manage their community," McKee said.

But McKee was not the only one playing defense during the course of the debate.

Former CVS executive Foulkes said Gorbea's plan to raise the corporate tax rate to 8 percent won't just affect large corporations, but local businesses like Del's and Chelo's.

"The last thing we should do is raise taxes," Foulkes said, arguing it would be unwise during a recession and make state businesses less competitive.

Gorbea then accused Foulkes of mischaracterizing her plan. She then attacked Foulkes for laying off workers while serving as CVS's president.

"That's not the type of leadership we need in the public sector," Gorbea said.

The next gubernatorial debate before the Sept. 13 primary is scheduled for 6 p.m., Sept. 6 and will be broadcasted and livestreamed by WPRI 12.