Challenger calls for R.I. Senate president to ‘pass the torch,’ while Ruggerio calls it a ‘cheap shot’ – The Boston Globe

Spokesman Greg Pare said Ruggerio missed Thursday’s fundraiser in Warwick because he will be undergoing “a minor procedure” next week to alleviate jaw pain stemming from a case of shingles. He said the decision had nothing to do with the cancer Ruggerio was battling earlier in the year.

“He is recovering well from the cancer,” Pare said. “He was advised by his doctors not to go to fundraisers. They don’t want him in crowds because there are viruses going around. Nonetheless, he was planning to go, but his staff insisted he heed his doctors’ advice.”

Cioe, a registered nurse who lost Senate District 4 primaries to Ruggerio in 2020 and 2022, issued a statement earlier Thursday, “For the past few months Ruggerio has been nowhere to be seen, completely absent from representing Senate District 4 in our state Senate.”

He cited news stories about how Ruggerio did not attend Senate sessions for six weeks as he was battling cancer, the flu, and shingles. He said District 4 residents “demand and deserve responsive, accountable and professional representation up at the State House.”

“Last week we saw an act of incredible political courage by President Joe Biden, when he decided to step down from the race for president and pass the torch to Kamala Harris,” Cioe said. “Biden stepped down for the country. Dominick Ruggerio needs to do the same for Rhode Island.”

But Ruggerio, who has represented Senate District 4 since 1985, reiterated that he remained “deeply involved” in Senate business even as he dealt with medical issues during the last legislative session, and he said he has run a “robust campaign” this summer.

“This is the type of negative politics that people are sick of,” Ruggerio said of Cioe’s statement. “I am not surprised in the least that my opponent would prefer not to have to face me at the ballot box. He knows he can’t win.”

The response from Ruggerio’s campaign included quotes from House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, North Providence Mayor Charles A. Lombardi, Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley, state Representative Arthur J. Corvese, state Senator David P. Tikoian, and North Providence Town Council President Dino Autiello.

For example, Shekarchi, a Warwick Democrat, said, “President Ruggerio is a wonderful friend and a truly outstanding partner at the State House. I know the most recent session was challenging for him, but he was just as deeply engaged in our work as he has always been — maybe even more than ever, based on how often the two of us spoke.”

Corvese, a North Providence Democrat, said, “What is most appalling to me about Mr. Cioe’s stunt (Thursday) is the complete lack of compassion and understanding being shown by a registered nurse.” He said Ruggerio “has a physical medical condition, from which he is expected to make a full recovery. Mentally, he is as sharp as ever, and I have continued to work closely with him daily to deliver results for our constituents.”

And Tikoian, a Smithfield Democrat and former North Providence police chief said, “I underwent a serious medical procedure which prevented me from attending a few session days in person, as well. Should I not run for reelection? What a shameful assertion.”

Edward Fitzpatrick can be reached at edward.fitzpatrick@globe.com. Follow him @FitzProv.