By John E. Mulligan
Journal Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The campaign arm of House Republicans says state Rep. John Loughlin of Tiverton -- a challenger to veteran Democratic Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy -- is officially "on the radar.''

That is a National Republican Congressional Committee shorthand that alerts its supporters to up and coming candidates. It's also a step toward an official NRCC designation reserved for promising challengers, "Young Guns.''

U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions of Texas, NRCC chairman, called Loughlin "an accomplished leader for Rhode Island'' whose campaign has "significant momentum.''

The committee's news release said Loughlin got on the radar in part by building a campaign structure and meeting certain fundraising goals.