1st TV attack ad in RI congressional race to succeed Kennedy; Gemma goes after Cicilline
By APTuesday, September 7, 2010
1st TV attack ad released in RI congressional race
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The first TV attack ad in the Rhode Island race to succeed Patrick Kennedy in Congress goes after Providence Mayor David Cicilline (sis-uh-LEE’-nee) for his city’s economic woes.
Businessman Anthony Gemma (JEM’-uh) launched the 30-second attack ad on broadcast stations Tuesday, a week before the four-way Sept. 14 Democratic primary.
The ad attacks Cicilline for the city’s high unemployment rate and foreclosures. A narrator says Cicilline is running on his record, then asks “Are you kidding me?”
Gemma spokesman Daniel Mercer says the campaign spent $85,000 last week on TV ads leading up to the primary.
Cicilline’s campaign manager would not comment on the claims. Cicilline said in a statement that he couldn’t control how his opponents run their campaigns.
