Brown win energizes Kennedy opponent

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (WPRI) - The stunning victory by Republican Scott Brown in the Massachusetts Senate race could have a ripple effect in Rhode Island.

Republican State Representative John Loughlin is running for Congress against U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy this fall.

Now Loughlin and his supporters believe Scott Brown's upset win shows that any Democrat is vulnerable.

"I think it energizes us as a base to see that the Kennedy dynasty can be taken down," says Loughlin backer Meg Jannotta of Newport.

Another Loughlin supporter, Marina Peterson of Bristol, agrees.

"I believe the whole country got behind Scott Brown because they're tired of what is going on and they wanted to make a statement. And those same people are going to be behind John Loughlin against Patrick Kennedy."

Loughlin , who represents Portsmouth, Tiverton, and Little Compton at the State House, says the fact that a Republican is taking over the seat of the so-called "Liberal Lion," Ted Kennedy, is proof that times are changing.

"Nobody has a birthright to a Congressional seat," Loughlin tells Eyewitness News. "Congressional representation is about doing the work of the people in the First Congressional District."

Eyewitness News tried to contact Congressman Patrick Kennedy on Wednesday, but his spokesperson said he was too busy to comment.

Kennedy was first elected to represent Rhode Island in Congress back in 1988, and is now in his 8th term as U.S. Representative.