Dennigan clarifies remarks about Langevin's disability
7:05 AM Mon, Aug 10, 2009 | Permalink
Email this author | Email this entry |
 |
Projo Politics Blog |
|
« Newport fundraiser to benefit Florida GOP candidate |
Main
| R.I. GOP fundraiser to feature ex-Carcieri aide, now GOP leader, McKay »
By Cynthia Needham PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Rhode Island needs a "stronger and more capable voice in Congress." That's according to Democratic congressional hopeful state Rep. Elizabeth M. Dennigan, who was clearly knocking incumbent congressman U.S. Rep. James R. Langevin at last week's campaign kickoff event, although she didn't use her Democratic opponent's name in public remarks to about 100 supporters in Davol Square. Political Scene asked her to clarify the comment after the speech. "Especially as a nurse, I can empathize with him and how far he's been able to come with his disabilities," Dennigan said of Langevin, the only quadriplegic member of Congress. "But with that said, I think my experience as an attorney and a lawmaker, I will be able to bring more to the table and a clearer, more effective voice than we currently have in Congress." After making a similar statement on talk radio later in the week, callers took exception to the remarks, which they thought targeted Langevin's disability. Dennigan told Political Scene her statement was misinterpreted. The Langevin campaign declined to comment. At the campaign event, we asked Dennigan why she was moving to a Narragansett summer home in the 2nd Congressional District instead of staying in East Providence to challenge 1st District incumbent U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy. "Whether you like him or not, Patrick's more effective; he's doing a fine job," she said. "This is not about personalities." Meanwhile, we noticed a handful of familiar faces in the crowd, although organized labor and most Democratic Party officials were noticeably absent. The one exception was state Rep. Grace Diaz, D-Providence, vice chair for the Democratic State Committee. "In case I decide [not to] support Jim Langevin, he will find out through me," Diaz said. "I'm here because I love Betsy. I know she's a great lady. I know she's capable, but I will decide very soon who I will support." 
CommentsLeave a comment |
New comments
New photos
New posts
Projo blogs
Archives
The Journal does understand that she could stay in East Providence and run for the 2nd District seat, correct? We do understand there is no district requirement in the Constitution, correct?
Report Abuse
The Journal probably does not know this.
Report Abuse
Why does what she said, have to have anything to do with Langevin's disability rather than his lack of ability in the leadership dept. when it comes to his seat in the Congress?
Can't she just have been seaying that she's not happy with the job that he's been doing? There are a lot of us who feel the same way. Stop trying to make up a story Journal. There are plenty of them already.
Report Abuse
attacking a good hardworking disabled man is no way to get elected. i will be out there to vote against you.
Report Abuse