RI Democratic delegation Chair, Speaker Gordon Fox

The 40+ members of the Rhode Island delegation to next week's Democratic National Convention wrapped up their final bits of business at a meeting tonight at Camille's in Providence, and the main agenda item was electing the delegation's chair. By unanimous vote, the delegates chose RI House Speaker Gordon Fox.

In brief remarks to the delegates, Fox discussed the importance of the upcoming convention as an opportunity to offer America an "alternate vision," and he stressed Rhode Island's strong Democratic roots. "Rhode Island is the bluest of blue," he said. "We want to showcase and highlight that we understand what the middle class needs."

"We are not parties to divisiveness," Fox said. "We understand that we inextricably benefit from each other's work. I'm looking forward to a great week in Charlotte."

In addition to Speaker Fox, delegates attending the session included Senate President Teresa Paiva-Weed, Secretary of State Ralph Mollis, Treasurer Gina Raimondo, and Attorney General Peter Kilmartin, as well as several members of the general assembly and Providence Mayor Angel Taveras. Among the delegates, some have substantial convention experience, like nine-time veteran DNC National Committeewoman Edna O'Neill Mattson — and some are first-timers like Onna Moniz-John from East Providence.

RI Democratic Party Chair Ed Pacheco praised the diversity of the group. "Our delegation is made up of firefighters, teachers, elected officials, newcomers, and people who returning," he said. "This speaks volumes about what Rhode Island stands for."

"I'm proud to be a Democrat," said Pacheco. "Let's go get 'em."

Additional pictures from the event up on Flickr.

Editorial note: I'll be reporting from the DNC in Charlotte all next week, and I will be following the Rhode Island delegation.