In the six short weeks since I announced my candidacy for Congress, our campaign has raised over $725,000.  We exceeded all of our expectations, and the energy behind this campaign is incredible.  You have sent a message that you want a representative with a proven record of delivering results for hard-working Rhode Island families.

Obviously, in these difficult times, the public must watch municipal budgets carefully. But in an election year, sometimes politicians make wild accusations. For instance, Providence City Councilor John Lombardi, who may run for mayor against the incumbent, David Cicilline, has charged that there have been inappropriate or unauthorized transfers of money between municipal accounts.

This Sunday's Providence Journal featured a great story about Providence's Steel Yard.  The Steel Yard is a unique organization located right here in our city that is helping to revive our economy.  From the Providence Journal:

Forbes.com recently surveyed the country's 40 largest metropolitan statistical areas to determine America's safest cities.  The results are in and Providence ranked #6!

From the report:

Dear Friends,

As you prepare to join family and friends in giving thanks for life's many blessings, I want to extend my best to you for a very happy Thanksgiving.  Among the many blessings for which I am thankful is the opportunity to serve the residents of our great city. This is also a time to be especially grateful for the many brave men and women who proudly serve our country across the world and continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers. 

Again, Happy Thanksgiving.

WE ALL KNOW the state is facing unprecedented economic challenges. However, we can’t continue to focus on the negative while rehashing the same old proposals that have failed to fix our economy or create jobs. We have the opportunity to get behind a plan that will bring immediate and long-term economic benefits to all Rhode Islanders. We must seize it.