NEW: Senate Finance Chairman DaPonte Holds on in District 14

NEW: Senate Finance Chairman DaPonte Holds on in District 14

The Senate Finance committee chairman has held on to his seat.

In arguably most-talked about Senate primary (District 14), Democratic Daniel DaPonte – a key player in last year’s pension reform battle— overcame a challenge from union-backed State Rep. Roberto DaSilva, who voted against pension reform last fall.

DaPonte won the race 53 percent to 47 percent, according to the Board of Elections.

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DaPonte’s victory is likely to be seen as a win for General Treasurer Gina Raimondo and EngageRI, the pro-pension reform group who supported the popular State Senator.

Meanwhile, DaSilva’s loss is a blow for organized labor, which in addition to failing to win the Senate seat, also loses a reliable vote in the House.

 

Dan McGowan can be reached at dmcgowan@golocalprov.com. Follow him on Twitter: @danmcgowan.