The Providence Journal
12/13/2011
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rep. Jim Langevin is accusing fellow Democrat David Cicilline of trying to use congressional redistricting to aid his re-election.
A redistricting plan unveiled Monday night would transfer Republican-heavy districts in Burrillville, Smithfield and North Smithfield from Cicilline’s district into Langevin’s. Cicilline would pick up Democratic-leaning districts in Providence now represented by Langevin.
Campaign spokesmen for Republican candidates John Loughlin and Brendan Doherty say officials crafting changes to the districts appear to be favoring Cicilline.
The freshman Democrat says he has not tried to influence the state’s redistricting efforts to his advantage. Langevin’s district director, Kenneth Wild, says Cicilline’s claim is “blatantly disingenuous.”
The state’s redistricting commission intends to vote next week on a redistricting proposal. State lawmakers must approve the changes.
