Lawson, Ciccone vying for leadership positions after death of Senate President Ruggerio

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Several Rhode Island lawmakers are entering the running to take over leadership positions in the wake of the Monday death of longtime Senate President Dominick Ruggierio.

A spokesperson for the senate’s office announced Senator Valarie Lawson is seeking the position of President of the Senate.

Lawson has been serving as the Senate Majority Leader since January.

Meanwhile Senator Frank Ciccone is seeking Lawson’s current position as Senate Majority Leader.

Ciccone currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor and Gaming.

Senators Lawson and Ciccone released a joint statement, saying:

While our focus right now is on honoring the legacy of President Dominick Ruggerio, we believe that we have a consensus on a vision to move our chamber forward at the appropriate time, which is after we pay our respects to our dear friend Dominick.

Ruggerio’s wake will be on Sunday afternoon at the Maceroni Funeral Home in North Providence from 3 to 8 p.m. with additional calling hours Monday morning from 8:30 to 10 a.m.

The funeral will be on Monday at 11 a.m. at Saint Anthony’s Church.