CD1 race continues to heat up

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The race to replace Congressman Patrick Kennedy in the First Congressional District continues to heat up following our exclusive Eyewitness News-Providence Journal Campaign 2010 televised debate Tuesday Night.

On Wednesday during a debate on WPRO radio, Democrat David Cicilline and Republican John Loughlin wasted no time continuing their agressive attacks.

• Nesi's Notes: Cicilline, Loughlin give CD1 voters a real choice

One exchange focused on social security.

Loughlin: "I had an 84-year-old gentleman approach me and say, he said, 'David Cicilline told me you want to take my social security and put it in a 401K.' That couldn't be further from the truth. And it's not the way campaigns should run and it's not what voters deserve."

Cicilline: "There's no question Rep. Loughlin voted against a resolution urging Congress not to privatize social security. There were only 7 members of the House who did that."

• ProJo: Two Views of Government

Another exchange focused on the candidates' records.

Loughlin: "...A $70 million deficit for the next mayor to deal with. Unfunded pension liabilities under his watch went from $300 million to $1.2 billion for the next mayor to deal with. Gave away the store to the firefighters and left the next mayor to deal with that."

Cicilline: "It's a little heard to take when John Loughlin was part of the General Assembly that cut..."

Loughlin: "And I voted against that budget."

Cicilline: "...Who was ineffective in stopping it. Whether he voted against it or not, his voice was obviously not head in the General Assembly. $152 million that was cut."