Cicilline, Doherty battle for senior citizen support

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- The general election is now six weeks away, and the candidates for the District 1 seat are battling it out for support from Rhode Island's senior citizens.

Congressman David Cicilline and Republican challenger Brendan Doherty are speaking out on issues such as Social Security and Medicare to try and secure the senior vote.

Doherty says his opponent is attempting to scare seniors by claiming that Doherty wants to cut Social Security and Medicare benefits.

"This is a continuing and ongoing pattern of deception and distortion of facts," he said. "It's time to once again set the record straight."

The Republican candidate called a news conference to outline what he calls his three point pledge to voters.

"I oppose privatizing Social Security or Medicare and will fight to strengthen those programs," said Doherty. "I will vote against cuts to your Social Security and Medicare benefits, and lastly I will support an increased benefit for those who are currently on social security."

Congressman Cicilline retorts, saying that he's the candidate that's fighting for seniors.

"I have spent the last 22 months fighting to protect Medicare and Social Security because I think that's important" he said.

We spoke with the congressman Monday to get his reaction to Doherty's pledge to voters.

"Brendan Doherty, if elected, would go to Washington and empower and keep in place House leadership that are committed to ending Medicare as a guarantee, to repealing Obamacare, which is benefiting Rhode Island seniors," he added.

Independent candidate David Vogel is also vying for the District 1 seat.