By Richard C. Dujardin
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Sixty House Democrats attending a close-door caucus at the Asian Palace Restaurant agreed Friday to nominate Rep. Gordon Fox to another term as House Speaker.
House spokesman Larry Berman said he did not know why nine of the Democrats who were elected Tuesday were absent. Although nominated, Fox can only be officially elected speaker after the House convenes in a new session on New Years Day.
In other moves, the Democratic lawmakers reelected Nicholas Mattiello of Cranston as House Majority Leader, and promoted Reps. Stephen Ucci of Johnston and Christopher Blazejewski of Providence to new roles as House majority whip and deputy whip.