Feisty Campaign in Rhode Island Congressional District 2
by Mark Curtis, ABC 6 News Political Reporter
Congressman Jim Langevin spent part of the day chatting with voters, at the Cranston Senior Center.
The six-term Representative was there to oppose efforts in the Republican led House, to revamp Social Security on Medicare.
Congressman Jim Langevin (R-RI) said, “The Republican program to turn Medicare into a voucher system, changes Medicare as we know it. Turning it into a voucher system, forcing seniors – whether they are seniors now, or whether they're seniors later – eventually they will be paying more for Medicare.”
Not far away in Warwick, Langevin's Republican opponent Mike Riley, was also trying to convince seniors to vote for him.
ABC 6 Reporter Mark Curtis said, “The appearances of both candidates at senior centers this late in the campaign really comes as no surprise. Senior citizens, after all, still vote in higher numbers than any other group in America.”
Interestingly enough, even Mike Riley opposes his Republican Party's entitlement reform plans.
Riley, who made his name as an investment manager says his “Riley Plan” is better than vouchers.
“Funding Medicare and Social Security through things other than taxes. Like taking out federal lands and leases for mining, oil, and taking that money and supporting Medicare and social security,” said Mike Riley, (R-RI) Congressional candidate, District 2.
Riley and Langevin have both launched aggressive new advertising campaigns, in what looks to be a competitive race right up until election day. Independent Abel Collins is also in the race.
