Incumbent James R. Langevin yesterday easily defeated Rod Driver to win a fourth term as U.S. representative from Rhode Island’s 2nd Congressional District.

With most precincts reporting, the Democrat had 117,798 votes to independent Driver’s 43,897 — a ratio of almost 3 to 1. No Republican ran in the race.

“I’m excited,” Langevin said. He pledged to use what appeared certain to be a new Democratic majority in the House — and possibly in the Senate — to focus on family, energy, health care, and national security issues, notably terrorism and the war in Iraq.

“We are going to demand accountability from those people whose poor planning, flawed judgment, and stubborn denials have led to the debacle in Iraq and damaged our national security. The American people have spoken loud and clear that they want a new direction for America and it starts tonight.’’

Even before the polls closed, Driver suspected he would lose. “I ran into people today who hadn’t even heard of me,’’ he said at about 7:45 p.m. on the phone from his home in Richmond. “Even before today, I could tell there was a deficit of attention and connection.’’

Among other factors, Driver blamed his defeat on “a relatively low budget,’’ the intrinsic challenges of running outside a traditional party, and a critical letter recently published in The Journal.

Asked if he would run again, the four-time congressional candidate said: “Not if my wife has anything to say about it.’’

Before arriving at the Providence Biltmore hotel, where Democrats traditionally gather on election night, Langevin visited polling places and campaigned with U.S. Senate candidate Sheldon Whitehouse. Langevin said he was encouraged by voter turnout — and the enthusiasm of volunteers from all parties. “Democracy is alive and well,’’ he said.

In his campaign, Langevin focused on national security and what he called “family security’’ — health care, housing, energy and education.

“All those things are vitally important to a family,’’ he said. “Unfortunately President Bush and the Republicans in Congress have failed on almost every level.’’

Largely self-financed, Driver campaigned on his opposition to the war in Iraq (which Langevin voted against). “No more wars based on lies’’ became his campaign slogan. Driver also struck themes of education, health care, energy and campaign finance reform. He had unusual credibility on energy: he and his wife, Carole, live in a solar-heated house.

A six-year state representative and then two-term secretary of state before winning election to Congress in 2000, Langevin, 42, is a leading proponent of stem-cell research and an advocate for the disabled. While previously stopping short of backing scheduled troop withdrawals, he recently came out in favor of removing U.S. troops from Iraq.

Langevin was 16 years old and a Boy Scout working with the Warwick police when a gun accidentally discharged, leaving him paralyzed and in a wheelchair.

“The tremendous outpouring of support from his community inspired Jim to give something back,’’ says the biography on Langevin’s Web site, http://www.house.gov/langevin/

A retired mathematics professor at the University of Rhode Island, Driver, 74, served four terms as a state representative, and then ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 1998, 2000, and 2002.

gwmiller@projo.com / (401) 277-7380

The Providence Journal / Connie Grosch  

 

 '“Unfortunately President Bush and the Republicans in Congress have failed on almost every level. ’’

James Langevin

U.S. Representative

Langevin breezes past Driver

Incumbent James R. Langevin yesterday easily defeated Rod Driver to win a fourth term as U.S. representative from Rhode Island’s Second Congressional District. With most precincts reporting, the Democrat had 117,798 votes to independent Driver’s 43,897 — a margin of almost three to one. No Republican ran in the race.

Langevin easily elected

to fourth U.S. House term

His opponent, Rod Driver, who has failed in four attempts to win a congressional seat, says it may have been his last U.S. House campaign.

By G. Wayne Miller

Journal Staff Writer

Incumbent James R. Langevin yesterday easily defeated Rod Driver to win a fourth term as U.S. representative from Rhode Island’s 2nd Congressional District.

With most precincts reporting, the Democrat had 117,798 votes to independent Driver’s 43,897 — a ratio of almost 3 to 1. No Republican ran in the race.

“I’m excited,” Langevin said. He pledged to use what appeared certain to be a new Democratic majority in the House — and possibly in the Senate — to focus on family, energy, health care, and national security issues, notably terrorism and the war in Iraq.

“We are going to demand accountability from those people whose poor planning, flawed judgment, and stubborn denials have led to the debacle in Iraq and damaged our national security. The American people have spoken loud and clear that they want a new direction for America and it starts tonight.’’

Even before the polls closed, Driver suspected he would lose. “I ran into people today who hadn’t even heard of me,’’ he said at about 7:45 p.m. on the phone from his home in Richmond. “Even before today, I could tell there was a deficit of attention and connection.’’

Among other factors, Driver blamed his defeat on “a relatively low budget,’’ the intrinsic challenges of running outside a traditional party, and a critical letter recently published in The Journal.

Asked if he would run again, the four-time congressional candidate said: “Not if my wife has anything to say about it.’’

Before arriving at the Providence Biltmore hotel, where Democrats traditionally gather on election night, Langevin visited polling places and campaigned with U.S. Senate candidate Sheldon Whitehouse. Langevin said he was encouraged by voter turnout — and the enthusiasm of volunteers from all parties. “Democracy is alive and well,’’ he said.

In his campaign, Langevin focused on national security and what he called “family security’’ — health care, housing, energy and education.

“All those things are vitally important to a family,’’ he said. “Unfortunately President Bush and the Republicans in Congress have failed on almost every level.’’

Largely self-financed, Driver campaigned on his opposition to the war in Iraq (which Langevin voted against). “No more wars based on lies’’ became his campaign slogan. Driver also struck themes of education, health care, energy and campaign finance reform. He had unusual credibility on energy: he and his wife, Carole, live in a solar-heated house.

A six-year state representative and then two-term secretary of state before winning election to Congress in 2000, Langevin, 42, is a leading proponent of stem-cell research and an advocate for the disabled. While previously stopping short of backing scheduled troop withdrawals, he recently came out in favor of removing U.S. troops from Iraq.

Langevin was 16 years old and a Boy Scout working with the Warwick police when a gun accidentally discharged, leaving him paralyzed and in a wheelchair.

“The tremendous outpouring of support from his community inspired Jim to give something back,’’ says the biography on Langevin’s Web site, http://www.house.gov/langevin/

A retired mathematics professor at the University of Rhode Island, Driver, 74, served four terms as a state representative, and then ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 1998, 2000, and 2002.

gwmiller@projo.com / (401) 277-7380