More Rhode Islanders In The Running To Be New Lt. Governor

PROVIDENCE, RI — As Dan McKee prepares to take the helm as Rhode Island's governor, dozens of applicants are vying for the soon-to-be vacant lieutenant governor's seat.

Over the past few weeks, McKee's transition team has announced more names of applicants for the position, which will be filled by him once he officially becomes governor. Because Rhode Island law does not have specific guidance on how to fill an opening of the position, McKee said he and his team would appoint someone.

The additional applicants are:

• William J. Delaney
• Donald R. Gendron
• Judith Abate
• Mark Aubrey
• Adam Carbone
• Brandon Fernandes
• Thomas Goggin
• Bryan Gordon
• Jordan Horowitz
• Rebecca Florence-McLaughlin
• Michael Nolette
• John Partridge
• Robert Phillips
• Saverio Rebecchi
• William Rives
• Paul Rochford
• Kayla Rogers
• Thomas Shields
• Tom Suita

The first round of applicants was announced in early February. Since then, the process has been in a holding pattern, as McKee and current Gov. Gina Raimondo wait for the U.S. Senate to take up her confirmation at the U.S. Commerce Secretary.

Last week, Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse said that the full chamber would be voting on cloture, which would put a time limit on the decision if approved. Following the Monday night vote, the actual confirmation could come as soon as later this week, Whitehouse said.

"I look forward to a swift confirmation for our new Commerce Secretary," he tweeted.

Raimondo's confirmation has been on hold since early February, when Texas Sen. Ted Cruz placed a hold on the process.