Posted on 01/20/2010 3:57:38 PM PST by Steelfish
Rhode Island GOP: Scott Brown Victory Shows Patrick Kennedy Vulnerable
Associated Press January 20, 2010
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Democratic Rep. Patrick Kennedy has won election to the U.S. House from Rhode Island for eight terms despite a string of personal problems that might have ended any other politician’s career. Now, state Republicans are hoping the GOP victory in Tuesday’s special election to replace Kennedy’s father in the Senate could herald a change in the younger Kennedy’s fortunes.
In a stunning defeat for Democrats, Republican Scott Brown won the Massachusetts Senate seat held for nearly 50 years by Edward Kennedy, who died in August.
Patrick Kennedy has raised far more money than his challenger, state Rep. John Loughlin, the House minority whip, and has a loyal base of supporters who have sent him coasting to victory in election after election in the 1st Congressional district. Loughlin, a media consultant, lives in Tiverton and has little statewide name recognition.
But GOP Chairman Giovanni Cicione said Wednesday that what happened in neighboring Massachusetts is a good indicator of what could happen in the Ocean State.
"In this cycle, with a good candidate like we have with John Loughlin, the national scene shifting away from Kennedy-type politics, and independent voters looking for options, I think he’s incredibly vulnerable," Cicione said.
Rhode Island had a 12.7 unemployment rate in November, among the worst in the nation, and Loughlin called jobs and the economy his top issue. He supports cutting taxes as one step to getting the economy going.
"We need to put the money back into the hands of Rhode Islanders," he said.
A Kennedy spokeswoman declined to comment on the race. But Bill Lynch, chairman of the state Democratic Party, said Kennedy, who’s on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, has a history of ...
(Excerpt) Read more at bostonherald.com ...
The Kennedy gang is so last millennium.
kennedy’s do need another career besides politics...
I am sure he can get Marcia Whats-her-name to campaign for him.
It would be just glorious to get rid of Patches in November. The little drunk would have to go find a real job somewhere! Its time to send all the Kennedys into retirement.
Good. Another bad driver who needs to go.
Hopefully the Mass effect will also spillover into Connecticut where the flaming socialist AG, Richard Blumenthal, is running as the RAT candidate for Senator.
Ted isn’t around to tell him how to vote anymore. He’s toast.
Maybe they can get back into rum running where it all started.
Go, Buddy, GO!!!!! Cianci gets rid of the last Kennedy! I have lived long enough!
Forever now known as “Marcia Kennedy”
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