CD1 candidates spar at business forum

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The candidates for Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District sparred on taxes, health care reform and other issues as they met at a forum sponsored by the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce.

Republican Brendan Doherty accused Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. David Cicilline of being "ultra-liberal" and wanting higher taxes and "redistribution of wealth" at Tuesday's forum.

• Exclusive Poll: RI's 1st Congressional District

Cicilline supports President Barack Obama's plan to keep in place the so-called Bush tax cuts for anyone making less than $250,000 per year but let them expire on the wealthiest Americans.

Doherty says businesses fear the requirement in the Affordable Care Act that they provide health insurance to employees. He wants the act repealed, but only if something better is in place first.

Cicilline says the act can help lower health care costs, something small businesses need.

The two candidates are in a tight race for CD1.

An exclusive Eyewitness News Poll released last week shows Cicilline with 44 percent of the vote, Doherty with just under 38 percent, 10 percent undecided and about 6 percent in favors of a third candidate, David Vogel.