Campaign Update: Breaking Down the 1st Congressional District
Saturday, June 30, 2012
As the 1st Congressional District race progresses, GoLocalProv asked the candidates to weigh in on current issues and provide updates on their campaigns.
Republican Congressional candidate Brendan Doherty believes that this election presents an opportunity to change, stabilize, and foster economic prosperity in America and Rhode Island.
“It is essential for Rhode Islanders to have faith that their representatives in Washington have the leadership qualities to represent the best interests of Rhode Islanders,” said Ian Prior, Doherty’s campaign manager, “even if that means breaking from party leadership and having the courage to stand tall and tell the truth when it may not be politically expedient to do so.”GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
Due to Doherty’s focus on leadership and feasible policy solutions, rather than on strict party beliefs, he has received significant financial and grassroots support from Democrats and independent voters. The Democrats for Doherty coalition has garnered support from people who have concerns about the direction of the country, state, and their party. These supporters focus on the Doherty’s character and solutions, not his party affiliation. Since the announcement of the coalition, some high profile Democrats have decided to support Doherty. Campaign manager Prior said that he has witnessed people yelling out to Brendan from their car, "I'm a Democrat, but I'm for Doherty." Doherty expects to grow the Democrats for Doherty coalition over the coming months.
During the summer months as the Democratic primary approaches, Doherty will remain relevant by continuing to communicate to voters by sharing his messages and by listening to their views and needs. Doherty will focus on gaining supporters and he will carry his momentum and excitement into the general election.
Cicilline Enjoys Majority of Dem. Support
Congressman David Cicilline continues to enjoy solid support among his core base of Democrats. “Rhode Islanders know that David is the one person in the race who has always been on the side of women, seniors, students and the middle class,” said Nicole Kayner, Cicilline’s campaign spokesperson. “And they know that in Congress he will continue to be a fighter for Rhode Island.”
Cicilline believes that the economy is the obvious primary concern for people across the district. Cicilline has been working toward a comprehensive agenda to reinvigorate Rhode Island manufacturing and to get the economy back on track. Cicilline fights for investments in local infrastructure and cosponsoring legislation to build a national infrastructure bank, which would rebuild roads, bridges, schools and ports and also create much-needed jobs to help rebuild the country’s economy.
“David chose to address the city's finances head on because he knew people had questions they deserved to have answered. He will continue to work hard to earn the support of every resident in CD1,” Kayner said. “This election has been and will continue to be about who will always be on the side of the middle class and who can best stand up to the entrenched special interests in Washington.”
Gemma: I’m strengthened by my rejection by the 'Old Boy Network'
Democrat Congressional candidate Anthony Gemma does not feel that he was hurt by the fact that he did not get anyone to second his nomination at the Democratic convention last week.
“I’m strengthened by my rejection by the “Old Boy Network.” The real winners of the convention’s vote are Brendan Doherty, the Republican Party, and the Tea Party,” Gemma said. “When I addressed the State Committee, I acknowledged the reality that they were all being forced to vote for Cicilline. And so I asked them, “If your vote tonight were cast in a secret ballot –if you were not being monitored by David Cicilline and his high-level enablers – who would you vote for?”
Gemma’s focus is on creating long-term and well-paying jobs, strengthening and expanding preventative healthcare programs, helping veterans, and supporting programs for senior citizens. Gemma is very confident that he will win the Primary and General Elections.“When I win, I shall take every step necessary to return Rhode Island’s Democratic Party to the people,” Gemma said.
“I know all about David Cicilline, his destruction of Providence, and his repeated lies to the people in his effort to cover up his failures. David Cicilline as a member of Congress has not brought a single job to Rhode Island, and is unfit to serve. We cannot believe a word that comes out of David Cicilline’s mouth. Not now. Not ever again,” Gemma said. “As for Brendan Doherty, I’m happy to let him speak for himself and his Republican ideology.”
