RI Campaign Update – National Report Upgrades Loughlin’s Chances
Saturday, September 25, 2010
The prominent Cook Political Report has upgraded John Loughlin’s chances of beating Democratic David Cicilline in the First Congressional District. This week, the report changed its outlook for the race from “likely Democrat” to “leaning Democrat.”
“Cicilline won the primary with 37 percent of the vote, not a terribly impressive showing for the one candidate in the race with universal name ID and a big financial edge,” the report states.
It continues: “Meanwhile, GOP state Rep. John Loughlin points out that a Providence Mayor has never been elected to Congress, and Loughlin has been able to stockpile his resources for the general election. By the numbers, this may be the most Democratic seat currently on Republicans' target list, and both national parties may be hesitant to get involved, but local Democrats admit that this will be the most competitive House race Rhode Island has seen in over a decade. Cicilline leads in early polling and still has an advantage, but it's a legitimate race.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTCicilline Internal Poll Shows Him Ahead
Meanwhile, Cicilline’s campaign released an internal poll showing him well ahead of with 53 percent of the vote, to Loughlin’s 38 percent. The poll was conducted by The Feldman Group, Inc., which is based in Washington, DC.
Cicilline's said his lead is even greater among voters who have heard messages on behalf of both candidates with 59 percent for Cicilline and only 34 percent for Loughlin. According to the pollster, "Cicilline is a well-known and well-liked public figure, running in a traditionally Democratic district." In spite of Loughlin's criticisms of his record, the Cicilline campaign asserts that he "remains the overwhelming favorite in this race."
"Mayor Cicilline must be hearing footsteps,” said Cara Cromwell, campaign manager for John Loughlin. “The only reason for Mayor Cicilline to put out a self-serving polling memo is to convince a skeptical public that voters will support another rubber stamp for Nancy Pelosi's big government agenda. They won't, and Mayor Cicilline knows it, and no amount of spin can stop change from coming to Rhode Island."
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