With the unexpected news that Congressman Patrick Kennedy is not seeking re-election in Rhode Island's First Congressional District, the Democratic field has grown by leaps and bounds, with rumors rising and falling as quickly condo prices in recent years.
Let's look at the field.
Congress: "They're in"
Congress: "They're seriously considering it."
- Rep. Ed Pacheco - young, aggressive progressive who has proven he can win over conservative voters in Burrillville. His comments about running to the Journal are here.
- Councilman Seth Yurdin - Progressive elected official with a base on Providence's East Side.
- Rep. Jon Brien - DINO and worst candidate of the bunch.
- Mayor Dan McKee - Cumberland Mayor with upward ambition. His comments about running to the Journal are here.
- Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts - with Emily's list, could win a divided primary.
- Sen. Teresa Paiva-Weed - it would be skeptical that the Senate President would give up her job to run in a primary for Congress, but she certainly has name recognition and the ability to raise money.
- Bob Weygand - former Congressman and URI executive.
- Nicholas Pell - grandson of Claiborne Pell. His comments about running are here.
- Ralph Mollis - current Secretary of State considering a look at Congress.
- Joseph Amaral - former hospital executive.
- Charlie Fogarty - former lt. governor and 2006 democratic gubernatorial nominee. lots of name recognition.
Congress: Name in the Rumor Mill
- State Sen. Josh Miller - small business owner and environmental champion. Could raise money quickly.
- Rep. Edith Ajello - represents powerful East Side.
- Myrth York - Money and name recognition.
- Jeremy Kapstein - senior adviser to the Red Sox has been making waves lately about running for office in RI.
- Rep. David Segal - young, aggressive, progressive with a broad base of support.
- Guillaume de Ramel - unsuccessful Secretary of State candidate in 2006, but got a large number of votes.
Congress: They're Out
- Former Rep. Betsy Dennigan - She emailed me and said shes in it to win it in CD-2.
- Treasurer Frank Caprio - A Caprio campaign spokesperson called and said that there is no chance that Caprio will be running for Congress -- he is running for Governor.
- Attorney General Patrick Lynch - A Lynch campaign spokesperson writes and says Lynch is "definitely running for Governor."
- Gina Raimondo - She's definitely running for Treasurer.
- Kate Coyne-McCoy - In CD-2. She's staying at EM.<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">
Republicans?
and, even with the candidacy of Republican John Loughlin already announced, watch out for the entrance of conservative Republican former US Senate...