Cicilline tops Doherty, wins second term

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Democratic Congressman David Cicilline fought off Republican challenger Brendan Doherty on Tuesday to win a second term, overcoming voter unhappiness about his handling of Providence's finances as party loyalists helped put him over the top.

Cicilline, 51, is a lawyer who served two terms as mayor of Providence before winning the 2010 election to succeed former Congressman Patrick Kennedy. He campaigned on his support for Social Security and Medicare, reminding voters that Doherty would caucus with House Republicans.

Doherty, 53, is the former superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and a political newcomer who's never run for public office before. He described himself as an independent voice who would bring moderate views to Congress and criticized Cicilline for his partisanship.

Cicilline made a major comeback during the spring and summer but Doherty blunted his momentum in October, leaving the two nearly tied, according to WPRI 12 polls. Republicans have launched some of the most negative ads aired in the country in an effort to defeat the incumbent Democrat.

• Poll: Cicilline Clings to 1-Point Lead Over Doherty