UPDATED: Providence Board of Licenses Chair Conley Poised to Primary Langevin for Congress
GoLocalProv Political Team
UPDATED: Providence Board of Licenses Chair Conley Poised to Primary Langevin for Congress
The race sets up an upstart millennial versus a congressional veteran.
"We are approaching a great turning point in our history. Now is a once in a lifetime opportunity to come together and rebuild a new system that truly reflects the highest aspirations of the American Dream," Conley told GoLocal.
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Conley is an attorney and practices with his father William. He may have a difficult time claiming to be a complete outsider as his father is the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.
Langevin is in his twentieth year in Congress. And, he has failed to be the lead sponsor on any significant legislation.
Mike DeAngelis, the Campaign Manager for Langevin for Congress said in reaction to Conley's announcement, "Congressman Langevin is laser-focused on unifying Rhode Islanders, keeping communities safe and healthy, and boosting our state's recovery efforts as we get through these trying times together. He has always fought for the people of Rhode Island and will continue to do so.”
During his congressional career, Langevin has transformed from a moderate to a liberal over the years, but has had mixed record on a woman’s rights issues and received poor grades from women’s rights organizations like NARAL over his tenure.
Conley will face one significant obstacle — Langevin has a campaign war chest of more than $1.2 million. That money gives the incumbent a significant advantage but also gives Conley a lot of opportunities to criticize Langevin.
In 2016, the 2nd District voted heavily for Donald Trump and the President won the majority of 2nd district communities. The district is far more conservative - even for Democrats - than some expect.
GoLocal named Conley one of the 19 to Watch in 2019, writing:
Dylan Conley seems to be everywhere. Recently, GoLocal featured the attorney as one of Rhode Island's "Emerging Leaders."
He is the chairman of the Providence Board of Licenses and is in a hotbed position to adjudicate every club shooting or knifing in Providence. More recently, he led the Board of Licenses effort to close the Foxy Lady.
In East Providence, he served as the Assistant City Solicitor. Conley may be young, but he has political and legal tentacles throughout the state.
"Honestly, I believe my work as a solicitor and Providence Board of Licenses Chairman makes a positive difference, but I understand if some would dispute that because of the nature of local government. From time to time I also try to help my wife and her work with the West Broadway Neighborhood Association in its efforts to revitalize the Cranston Street Armory," Conley had previously told GoLocal.
Story Updated at 8:33 PM, Story Updated 6/9/20 at 6:04 AM