Gemma could run for congressional seat

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Eyewitness News exclusive poll results indicate Congressman David Cicilline could face a difficult road to re-election.

Now, one of his strongest opponents in 2010, businessman Anthony Gemma, has announced he's seriously considering running against him.

"I am very strongly considering it and I would say at this point, almost a virtual certainty," Gemma told Eyewitness News on Friday.

Eyewitness News Political Analyst Joe Fleming says the latest poll is giving candidates like Gemma motivation to run.

"I think these poll numbers show that David Cicilline is weak right now and if you want to run for Congress this would be the time to do it."

The exclusive Eyewitness News poll of 300 registered voters in Rhode Island's First Congressional District shows if the election were held today, Cicilline's 2010 opponent former State Representative John Loughlin would defeat him 47 percent to 35 percent.

• Poll: 41% give Cicilline 'poor' rating
• Related: Complete poll results
• Web Extra: Fleming on CD1 poll

Another Republican, former State Police Colonel Brendan Doherty would also beat Cicilline 46 percent to 33 percent, with a margin of error of 5.7 percent. Overall voters believe the freshman congressman is doing a poor job.

"Almost 50 percent of the Democrats give him an unfavorable job rating. Which says to me they vote for Cicilline because of his philosophy, but don't agree on the job he's doing," said Fleming.

The congressman says he's not surprised by the survey and suggests it stems from negative headlines about Providence's fiscal crisis.