By Cynthia Needham
Journal State House Bureau

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."