PROVIDENCE — Amid State House buzz that she’s being vetted by President Biden’s administration for a job with the US Small Business Administration, state Senator Sandra Cano said Wednesday that she is still planning to run for reelection in November.
Cano, who finished third in a race for Congress last year and is a heavy favorite to be reelected to the Senate District 8 seat that she’s held since 2018, has been tight-lipped about the federal government job that would require her to step away from the Senate.
But Senate leadership and Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien’s administration (where she currently works as director of commerce) are both aware that she’s in consideration for the job.
”I do not engage with rumors,” Cano said on Wednesday. “My focus remains on the work I’ve been elected to do, and I am running for reelection with the same love for public service and the city of Pawtucket that I’ve always upheld. As I run for reelection this November, my dedication to the people of Pawtucket remains stronger than ever. I look forward to continuing to serve with integrity, passion, and unwavering commitment to make a positive impact.”
The New England regional administrator’s role with the SBA is currently vacant, and the job is appointed by the president with the input of local congressional delegations. Rhode Island’s four-member delegation is aware of Cano’s interest in the job.
A spokesperson for the SBA’s district office in Rhode Island said “any comments on this important decision by our District Office personnel would be premature and inappropriate.” Senate spokesman Greg Pare declined to comment.
The bigger picture: The timing of the potential appointment could be significant for two reasons.
If Biden appoints Cano to the position before the end of the year but Donald Trump wins the presidency, there’s no guarantee that Trump would retain Cano. Then again, jobs in the SBA aren’t likely to be among the most pressing decisions Trump makes in year one of his return to the White House.
If Vice President Kamala Harris wins in November, it’s safe to say Cano wouldn’t have to worry about her job.In terms of local politics, Cano has a few options. If she resigns her office by tomorrow, the state Democratic Party could appoint a replacement candidate to appear on the ballot in November.
If she resigns after tomorrow but before the Nov. 5 election, her name would appear on the ballot but voters for her wouldn’t be counted (she faces independent Cathyann Palocsik in the general election). If she resigns after the Nov. 5 election, a special election would be held.
This story first appeared in Rhode Map, our free newsletter about Rhode Island that also contains information about local events, links to interesting stories, and more. If you’d like to receive it via e-mail Monday through Friday, you can sign up here.
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Dan McGowan can be reached at dan.mcgowan@globe.com. Follow him @danmcgowan.
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Publish date : 2024-09-12 04:39:00
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