RI Gov. Chafee backs Cicilline's re-election
PROVIDENCE, R.I.—Rhode Island's independent governor is backing Democratic U.S. Rep. David Cicilline's (sihs-ih-LEE'-nee's) bid for a second term in Congress.
WPRI-TV reports ( http://bit.ly/HzL27Q) that Gov. Lincoln Chafee (CHAY'-fee) announced his endorsement of Cicilline Friday during a taping of the Newsmakers public affairs program.
Cicilline faces former state police leader Brendan Doherty, a Republican, in the fall election.
Chafee defended Cicilline against criticism that he mishandled city finances during Cicilline's time as mayor of Providence. Chafee says the city had to absorb $30 million in state funding cuts.
Chafee said Cicilline could have been more "forthright" about the impact of the cuts.
Chafee, who left the Republican Party in 2007, has also endorsed the re-election of two other Democrats: U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and President Barack Obama.
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Information from: WPRI-TV, http://www.wpri.com
