House Dems vote to back Mattiello as Speaker

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — After a rough few months and a tough re-election, it looks likely Nick Mattiello will remain Speaker of the House.

House Democrats voted 44 to 21 at a closed-door caucus in Cranston Thursday night in favor of keeping Mattiello in his leadership role.

“We had 44 solid votes. I mean the story is I have enough votes to be reelected Speaker even with a coordinated attack on me,” said Mattiello.

But the 21 dissenting representatives say they’re just speaking out against what they see as an abuse of power.

“Every member who returned to this chamber knows about the vindictive culture that exists there, and the practice of retribution against those who dissent,” said Rep. Kathleen Fogarty of Wakefield.

“Whenever you disagree with the speaker, he takes it very, very deeply personally and will come after you,” said Rep. Moira Walsh of Providence.

Speaker Mattiello says that’s just not true. “I don’t know where that comes from,” said Mattiello.

Dozens of protestors showed up outside, voicing their opposition to the Speaker as well.

“We really don’t want Mattiello to be Speaker. He doesn’t speak for Rhode Island,” said Tammy Brown of Cranston.

Speaker Mattiello says he’s willing to listen to his critics in the House.

“I will continue to work, to reach out to them and work with them and address concerns,” said Mattiello.

But he says he has no plans to allow representatives to vote for their leader anonymously, as some have called for.

“As long as I’m in a leadership position we will never do a secret ballot,” said Mattiello.

Mattiello’s detractors say they plan to speak their minds much more in the coming session.

Thursday night’s vote is not binding, and reps can theoretically change their mind, but Mattiello says he’s confident his support is solid.

The full House will take its official vote on whether to keep Mattiello as Speaker in January.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2018