Gov. Dan McKee said in a recent interview for “Beyond the Podium” that being the incumbent governor is what differentiates him from his opponents in the Democratic primary.

“I’m uniquely qualified because I’m governor and have had now 15, 16 months. No state is run any better than the state of Rhode Island has since I’ve been governor. So, the experience there, passing a budget, having the largest surplus in the history of the state of Rhode Island, giving back that surplus to eliminate the car tax -- completely under my watch,” he said.

McKee said the most important issue facing Rhode Island is the cost of living.

“Our budget reflects creating jobs that are going to help with that, potentially upcoming recession,” the governor said. “The best remedy for a recession is jobs.”

“Rhode Island no longer has to be the first in and last out of these economic downturns,” McKee added. “I’ve shown that being governor.”

McKee said he’s ready to field any question that anyone wants to ask.

“I would say any question is open territory, in particular as a governor,” he said.

McKee drew parallels with President Obama when asked about a politician he admires.

“I entered the office as governor under the greatest state of emergency that the state has even seen. President Obama came in on a recession that was considered almost a depression. He was able to overcome that. He was able to put in legislation for the Affordable Care Act,” McKee said.

The governor said he received the best advice from his mentors and his dad.

“Do your best every day and knowing that doing your best is hard work,” McKee said.

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