GOP state lawmaker seeks to unseat Whitehouse from US Senate

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A Republican state lawmaker who's also a funeral director is running to unseat Rhode Island's Democratic U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse.

State Rep. Robert Nardolillo III said he plans to make a formal announcement about his 2018 candidacy on May 15.

Nardolillo has represented Coventry since 2015. He's known for his vocal opposition to illegal immigration and the nation's refugee resettlement program.

He's in the fourth generation of working for the family-run Nardolillo Funeral Home.

Whitehouse, a former state attorney general and federal prosecutor, is running for his third Senate term.

Nardolillo said Whitehouse spends too much time talking about climate change and not enough about the economy. He also said Whitehouse's sharp criticism of Republican President Donald Trump's administration could hurt Rhode Island.

Whitehouse's office declined to comment Wednesday.