America's Cup and the Stokes Question

Governor-elect Lincoln Chafee, who seems bent on an overhaul of the state's Economic Development Corporation, isn't saying whether he'll retain EDC chief Keith Stokes or not.

Chafee sharply criticized the EDC during the campaign over the 38 Studios deal, leading to heavy speculation that he would dump Stokes.

But that could be harder to do if Stokes pulls of the grand coup he has been working round the clock on in recent days: poaching an America's Cup boat race that seemed destined for San Francisco just a few weeks ago.

Stokes will be on hand tomorrow morning for the unveiling of a report that will suggest strong economic benefits for the state should America's Cup come to the City by the Sea.

It will not just be the race on the minds of the assembled.