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Rhode Island (01) House 2010

 

Crystal Ball Outlook: Likely D

Democratic candidate: David Cicilline, mayor of Providence

Republican candidate: John Loughlin, State Representative

Recent updates from the Crystal Ball

Background:

The 1st district of Rhode Island will host an open Congressional race this November following the retirement of current representative Patrick Kennedy, the son of the late Senator Ted Kennedy. The current field of competitors ahead of Rhode Island’s September 14 primary boasts two Democrats and one Republican. Republican John Louglin has served in the Rhode Island House of Representatives since 2004. Louglin moved into public service following his retirement from a 26 year career in the US army reserve.

The two Democratic candidates, Bill Lynch and David Cicilline, also boast Rhode Island political experience. Bill Lynch was elected to serve as the Chairman of the Rhode Island Democratic Party in 1998. Lynch is also an attorney with experience in the Consumer Protection division of the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office. Lynch has already been outmatched in fundraising by his primary opponent, Providence Mayor David Cicilline. Cicilline is already outpacing Lynch in campaign receipts by a margin of more than 3 to 1. Prior to becoming mayor, Cicilline was elected to four terms in the Rhode Island House of Representatives.

Patrick Kennedy swept the 2008 election with nearly 70% of the vote. Running on the coattails of Kennedy’s 16 year stint in Congress, the 1st District of Rhode Island remains Likely Democratic.