RHODE ISLAND's gubernatorial hopefuls take part in the Rhode Island Public Expediture Council's forum on Thursday. From left are Dr. Luis Daniel Muñoz, Gov. Daniel J. McKee, Ashley Kalus, Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, Helena B. Foulkes and Matt Brown. PBN PHOTO/JACQUELYN VOGHEL
With Gov. Daniel J. McKee’s change of heart and recommitment to participate in Thursday’s gubernatorial forum, he managed to narrowly avoid giving his opponents campaign fodder and fulfilled a vital benefit for voters looking to learn more about the candidates beyond statements at staged events, political observers say. McKee drew controversy when he said on…