NEW: Patrick Kennedy to Campaign with David Cicilline

NEW: Patrick Kennedy to Campaign with David Cicilline

U.S. Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) received the formal endorsement of former Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy, who represented Rhode Island’s First Congressional District from 1995 through 2011.

“I've known David Cicilline for years, and I am incredibly proud of the work that he has already done since we sent him to serve in Congress. No one has been working harder than David to get our state back on the right track and put Rhode Islanders back to work,” said Kennedy. “In Congress, David works hard for his constituents, hosted housing and senior resources fairs, and consistently stood up for Rhode Island. He is running a campaign focused on the issues important to hardworking families across our state, and I am looking forward to joining him in a few weeks ahead of this year's primary. With some of the wild and reckless allegations we have seen this week serving only to distract from the serious issues facing Rhode Island, Democrats need to stay focused on winning in November, and David Cicilline will hold this seat in the fall.

Kennedy will join Cicilline for campaign events the week of September 9th. A highly-respected proponent of Social Security and Medicare sustainability, Kennedy will take part in meetings with area seniors to highlight the services that Cicilline has provided during his first term in office.

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Kennedy joins other prominent Rhode Island Democrats, including Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Congressman Jim Langevin, and Providence Mayor Angel Taveras in backing Cicilline for re-election.

“I am honored to receive former Congressman Kennedy’s endorsement today,” said Cicilline. “During his time in office, Congressman Kennedy earned the admiration and respect of seniors across our state for his relentless work on their behalf. I am looking forward to having him join me ahead of the primary election.”

The Democratic primary election will be held Tuesday, September 11th.