RI General Assembly shake-up

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - An independent challenger has unseated the president of the Rhode Island Senate, setting off a power struggle in the General Assembly.

Edward O'Neill of Lincoln defeated Senate President Joseph Montalbano in Tuesday's election. Montalbano has been Senate president since 2004.

Eyewitness News Reporter Sean Daly spoke with Montalbano on election day. He said, "I think it is good for the people in my neighborhood, in my community that there are two candidates to choose from. Its good for the process."

Senate Majority Leader Teresa Paiva-Weed easily defended her seat, defeating Republican Donna Perry.

When Eyewitness News Reporter Sean Daly asked Teresa Paiva-Weed earlier Tuesday if she would win she responded by saying, "Ultimately it's the voters' decision, but certainly has been very positive today."