Rhode Island Leaders Applaud Raimondo For Commerce Nomination

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island leaders are voicing their support for Gov. Gina Raimondo after she was announced as President-elect Joe Biden's nominee of Secretary of Commerce. While she has not formally accepted the position, she acknowledged the nomination on Twitter and references have been made to the transition effort.

Lt. Gov. Dan McKee, who is poised to take the gubernatorial helm as Raimondo transitions to the national stage, congratulated Raimondo and said the transition effort is already underway.

"Gov. Raimondo and I spoke [Thursday], and I congratulated her on her nomination to serve as Commerce Secretary," McKee said in part. "It was a productive call, and we discussed the importance of a smooth transition."

Responses from fellow Rhode Island leaders are below.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed

"I have known Gina Raimondo since she was a baby, so of course I’m a little biased here. But I can unequivocally attest that she is a talented, thoughtful, hard-charging, and effective leader.

"Our nation is facing unprecedented economic strain. In tapping Governor Raimondo for this key post, President-elect Biden has selected someone with the skills and experience to solve pressing economic and trade challenges.

"I am confident in Governor Raimondo’s ability to lead the Commerce Department and help American workers and businesses recover and prosper. She is a dedicated public servant with the management skills, expertise, and leadership to effectively advocate for America’s economic interests and jumpstart job growth.

"Gina Raimondo is someone who carefully studies the issues, is always well-prepared, and has a proven track record of being a pragmatic, progressive problem solver. She is an extremely effective manager who really listens to different perspectives, asks the right questions, and then brings people together to execute. She has demonstrated the ability to forge partnerships to create jobs and expand opportunities.

"As the Governor of the Ocean State, she understands how much climate change is fundamentally reshaping our environment and our economy. She will listen to the science and work with experts to help the Biden Administration confront climate change and enact reforms to make our nation more resilient.

"President-elect Biden’s nomination of Governor Raimondo is an excellent choice. The American people are getting someone who will work 24/7 on their behalf. Commerce Department employees are getting a terrific new boss who will listen to them, support them, lead from the trenches, and get the very best out of them by holding them to the same high standards she holds herself. And Congress will be getting a partner who is an honest broker of unquestioned integrity. She is forthright, transparent, and accountable. She doesn’t sidestep thorny issues or kick the can down the road, but tackles tough challenges head on and has been successful at every step of her career.

"I strongly and unequivocally support her nomination."

U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse

"Governor Raimondo has done an exceptional job in Rhode Island, particularly as she steered our state through the coronavirus crisis. I believe Rhode Islanders will continue to benefit from Raimondo’s leadership as she takes on a major role in overseeing the national economic recovery and making American businesses more competitive in the global marketplace.

"I look forward to working with Secretary Raimondo on prioritizing the stewardship of our oceans at NOAA, and continuing to make job-creating investments in Rhode Island through the Economic Development Administration. Our oceans are in crisis, and as Secretary of Oceans and Commerce, Gina can bring overdue leadership to these perils and our blue economies.

"I congratulate Lieutenant Governor McKee on his elevation to the top job at the State House, and am very eager to work with him during the transition and beyond to end this pandemic and get our economy back on track."

U.S. Congressman David Cicilline

"Nearly six years to the day after she took the oath of office on the steps of our State House, Governor Gina Raimondo prepares to leave Rhode Island in much better shape than she found it. Few governors have been as consequential for our state. None have matched her effectiveness, or the calm, steady hand with which she has guided us through this pandemic.

"I congratulate Governor Raimondo on her nomination to serve as President-elect Biden’s Commerce Secretary. I look forward to continuing our work together during her remaining time as governor, and in her new role as Secretary of Commerce as we focus on rebuilding Rhode Island’s economy."

U.S. Congressman Jim Langevin

"Congratulations to Governor Gina Raimondo on her nomination by President-elect Joe Biden to serve as the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. This is an incredible honor, and I am thrilled that a great ally and champion for our state will be part of the President’s cabinet. Throughout her tenure, Governor Raimondo has demonstrated her commitment to spurring economic growth and expanding opportunities for hard-working Rhode Island families.

"As a fierce advocate for the Ocean State, the Governor made improving our business environment a priority. The signs of progress are visible throughout the state as entrepreneurs, businesses of all sizes, and wide-ranging industries continue to invest and grow. In the midst of the global pandemic, Governor Raimondo also offered strong leadership that helped save lives, safeguard communities, and keep families afloat in unprecedented times.

"While the Governor will certainly be missed, it’s assuring to know that our future President is nominating incredibly capable leaders with proven track records who will steer our nation to prosperity. I look forward to working with future Secretary Raimondo and the Biden administration to promote policies that ensure continued economic growth, job creation, and the United States’ leadership in the global business scene."

Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea

"Governor Gina Raimondo has been a trailblazing leader throughout her life. In choosing her as his nominee for Commerce Secretary, President-elect Biden is recognizing her experience and dedication to enhancing commerce. Governor Raimondo will serve our nation well in this role.

"I am particularly looking forward to her leadership of the U.S. Census Bureau, which is operated by the Commerce Department. I know I join Rhode Islanders in wishing her well as she goes forward to the confirmation process and look forward to congratulating her again in the near future."

Rhode Island Senate President Dominick Ruggerio

"I have enjoyed working in partnership with Governor Raimondo to address the many challenges facing Rhode Island. She will make an outstanding Commerce Secretary. Governor Raimondo took office at a time when Rhode Island had the highest unemployment rate in the nation."

Rhode Island Treasurer Seth Magaziner

"I’ve had the honor of working closely with Gina on launching the statewide school construction program, expanding investments in green jobs, and keeping RI financially secure during Covid-19. She will make a fantastic Commerce Secretary."

Read more:

• RI Governor Acknowledges Biden Commerce Nomination
• Biden Picks Gov. Gina Raimondo For Commerce Secretary: Report