By John Celock
The Democratic candidate for Rhode Island governor is out with a new ad where she pledges to use her past experience in order to govern the state.
Democrat Gina Raimondo, the state treasurer, uses the semi biographical ad to stress her credentials for the office. Raimondo, who is facing off against Republican Cranston Mayor Allan Fung in a competitive race, has been largely known for her work with retiring Gov. Lincoln Chafee (D) to restructure the state’s public employee pension system.
“I learned from my parents how Rhode Island need manufacturing jobs,” Raimondo said in the ad. “I learned in business how to rebuild great companies. I learned as treasurer that we can solve big problems like the pension crisis by working together.”
Raimondo has faced criticism from those in her party for her career in venture capital before seeking the treasurer’s office. Her work to restructure the pension system led public employee unions not to back her in September’s three way Democratic primary.
Raimondo also used the ad to push the creation of new jobs in marine science, medical devices and green technology.
Raimondo is one of three Democratic women seeking governorships in New England this year. Currently New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan is the only Democratic woman governor in the country. Hassan is seeking a second term against Republican Walt Havorson. In Massachusetts, state Attorney General Martha Coakley is the Democratic gubernatorial nominee against Republican Charlie Baker. Republican women hold four governorships nationally.