The incumbent Democrat makes his announcement at at a fire station to emphasize his commitment to security at home and abroad, he says.

01:00 AM EDT on Tuesday, June 20, 2006

BY SCOTT MacKAY
Journal Staff Writer

COVENTRY -- With a call for increased homeland and economic security for middle-class Rhode Islanders, Rep. James Langevin yesterday spoke under a broiling sun in a fire station parking lot as he formally announced his candidacy for a fourth term in Congress.

The Warwick Democrat told a crowd of about 50 at Coventry's Washington Fire Station that he wants another term to work on the issues of better health care, affordable housing, increased educational opportunities, improved homeland security and promotion of clean and renewable energy resources.

Langevin, 42, a former Rhode Island state representative and secretary of state, serves on the House Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees and represents the 2nd Congresssional District.

He said the fire station venue was meant to emphasize to constituents his commitment to helping make the state safer. "As we face continued instability in Iraq and elsewhere, we must give our troops the resources to do their job effectively and to protect them from harm's way.

"It means speeding the training of Iraqi forces so we can bring our sons and daughters home," said Langevin. "And it means that when we welcome them home, they have access to the best health care and well-paying jobs."

Langevin said in an interview after his speech that there is a need by the end of this year to have a plan to bring the U.S. military intervention in Iraq to a "successful conclusion."

"I think we are at the point where we basically have done all we can do," said Langevin in an interview. "It is time for the Iraqis to govern themselves."

Langevin said he has focused on making sure Rhode Island is more prepared for disasters and terrorist attacks.

"But while these are indeed critical priorities, it will take more than military might and well-equipped and well-trained first responders to make Rhode Island's families truly secure," he said.

"Parents shouldn't have to wonder whether their kids are learning in a safe environment and whether they'll have the skills they need to succeed as adults," said Langevin. "They shouldn't have to worry about what will happen if a child gets sick and they can't afford the medical bills.

"Family security is economic security," said Langevin. "While CEOs rake in record compensation, too many working families in Rhode Island are being left behind. We need a minimum wage that is truly a living wage. We need to support small businesses that are the real job creators in this state. . . . As workers approach retirement, we need to make sure they have access to the pensions and Social Security benefits they have counted on."

Langevin faces Democratic primary opposition from Jennifer Lawless, a Brown University political science professor who supports abortion rights. Langevin does not support abortion rights, except in rare cases.

While Langevin did not mention Lawless by name, he did address the hot-button social issues that often crop up in primaries. "This election should not be about where we are on the political spectrum -- whether we are left or right or center," said Langevin.

"It certainty should not be about where we stand on one issue and one issue only, whether it's Iraq, gay marriage, immigration or abortion."

"We do not have the luxury of wasting our vote or casting our lot as a nation on a single issue," said Langevin. "The world is much too complicated for that.

"We are all a product of experiences in life," said Langevin. "I almost lost mine but was given another chance, and it has given a unique perspective on the gift of life that may be different from many in my party," said Langevin. "But it has not changed the fact that I believe this election should be about our vision for [a] secure America, not about one person's view on one issue."

Langevin was referring to a teenage gun accident that left him a quadriplegic.

"Rhode Islanders have always been an optimistic people -- a confident, hopeful people," said Langevin.

"But these days, people across the political spectrum are expressing doubts in our policies. They are wondering: Are our priorities what they should be? Is government doing all it can to level the playing field for average, hard-working families? Can government -- once again -- be part of the solution?"

James Langevin

Party: Democratic

Office sought: Reelection to the U.S. House, 2nd District

Previous office: Rhode Island House of Representatives, Rhode Island secretary of state

Age:42

Residence: Warwick

Profession: Congressman

Education:Rhode Island College, B.A. (political science); Harvard University, master's degree (public administration.)

Family: Single

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