Gemma officially announces for Congress

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - A sixth candidate officially threw his hat into the ring Tuesday in the race to succeed Rep. Patrick Kennedy: Anthony Gemma, one of the best-known names in plumbing in Southern New England.

Gemma kicked off his first campaign for public office Tuesday by showing his first television commercial -- as slickly produced as any other serious, determined candidate's campaign spot.

"The mission of the Gemma for Congress campaign is quite simple," said Gemma as he met with reporters Tuesday. "I want to reinvent and reinvigorate public service for the twenty-first century."

Gemma is a native Rhode Islander whose family owns Gem Plumbing and Heating. He joins a crowded field running for Congressman Patrick Kennedy's job representing Rhode Island's first congressional district.

Gemma is now one of four Democrats squaring off in September's primary. The three others are Providence Mayor David Cicilline, former Democratic Party chair William Lynch, and state representative David Segal.

In November's election, the winner of the primary will face independent Frank Carter and Republican Rep. John Loughlin.

Anthony Gemma announced his candidacy at the Providence Place Mall -- because one of his ideas is to open an office there -- a "town hall," right at the mall.

When WPRI 12's Sean Daly asked him if he was worried about not being recognized by voters, Gemma responded with optimism. "I believe that people will know who we are... I believe they will get involved in their government... and I believe that we're going to strike a chord."