With Patrick Kennedy’s surprise decision to retire from Congress earlier this year, Rhode Island’s First Congressional District suddenly went from a safe seat for the Dems to a contested primary and top tier general election campaign, with the GOPers fielding a well-heeled state legislator with support from Scott Brown, Ruuuuuuuuuu-dy and Princess Sarah herself.
I was pleasantly surprised then, when my horse in the primary, Providence Mayor David Cicilline, posted on Huffington last night, calling on President Obama to begin drawing down U.S. forces in Afghanistan earlier than the current July 2011 start date. Click here to read David’s post for yourself.
In his eight years as Mayor, David’s established a strong record as both a progressive reformer who cleaned up corruption in City Hall (his predecessor [Wikipedia link] got sent to the big house – think Blago without the hair) and a public servant who knows what it takes to get things done for people.
I think just about every Kossack is ready for an end to American involvement in Afghanistan – that goes without saying. And David’s post shows that he’s the type of candidate who isn’t afraid to get out in front on an issue and own it, even when other candidates might prefer to play it safe.
While there are other able candidates in this race, David Cicilline deserves our support as the progressive candidate who’s willing to stand up and demand a smarter policy in Afghanistan. Click here to read his blog on Huffington Post and visit his website while you’re at it.
Let’s make sure the last Kennedy seat in Congress remains a voice for progressive reform and standing up for everyday people.