Democratic Sweep in RI as Whitehouse, Cicilline and Langevin Win - ABC6 - Providence, RI and New Bedford, MA News, Weather

Democratic Sweep in RI as Whitehouse, Cicilline and Langevin Win

by Mark Curtis, ABC 6 Political Reporter 

mcurtis@abc6.com

First District Congressman David Cicilline will be going back to Washington for another term.

After a see–saw battle, he pulled away and won big over Brendan Doherty:

"I think they want someone in Washington who is going to fight to put Rhode Islanders back to work, to protect Medicare and Social Security and Pell Grants, and approach this budget challenge in a balanced way," said Congressman Cicilline.

Also going back to Washington for another six–year term in the U.S. Senate is Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse:

"That will make Republicans a little bit more willing to compromise and willing to work across the aisle. (Q: On what issues?) Well the big one obviously is going to be the economic cliff we are coming at. The budget," Senator Whitehouse said.

Congressman Jim Langevin also won.

He will represent the Second District in Washington, for a seventh two–year term.

"Our economy is still struggling, bother here in Rhode Island and nationally. So we need to continue to focus on jobs and the economy. Getting people back to work. That is my primary focus. It always has been," Congressman Langevin said.

Despite a Rhode Island sweep, Republicans still control the House in Washington, DC.

ABC 6 Reporter Mark Curtis said, "And so it's a clean sweep for the Democrats in the big Congressional races this year and now it's on to 2014. Some in this room wondering who might be the best Democrat to run for Governor. That's an office the party has not held, for almost 20 years. Reporting from the Democratic headquarters at the Biltmore Hotel, I'm Mark Curtis, ABC 6 News."