How do you really believe Brendan Doherty would vote when John Boehner, Eric Cantor, and radical Tea Party Republicans demand his support – and vote – on bills dealing with altering Social Security, Medicare and healthcare issues?

Do you honestly believe – as a junior Member of Congress – Mr. Doherty will stand his ground and remain loyal to his professed intention not to change Social Security and Medicare?

Mr. Doherty may be able to vote his conscience on some issues, but he will remain the Republican trump card if and when Mr. Boehner requires it.

I do not doubt that Mr. Doherty is sincere in what he says while campaigning. But good intentions do not necessarily translate to reality. The fact is, as a junior Member of Congress with virtually no leverage, in order to accomplish anything on behalf of Rhode Islanders, Mr. Doherty will have to tow the mark set by his party’s leadership in Washington. To believe otherwise is naïve and delusional.

In Rhode Island, we are extremely fortunate to have two powerful Senators, Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed, who long ago earned the greatest of respect from other legislators in Congress. Senator Whitehouse and Senator Reed support and trust David Cicilline. During his junior term in Congress, Mr. Cicilline has steadfastly and consistently represented the people of Rhode Island.  As an attorney and former member of Rhode Island’s General Assembly – yes, even as mayor of our capital city – he was an experienced legislator when he took his place in Congress his first term.  He is an experienced, established and trusted Congressman today.

We cannot afford to send another Republican to Congress to further bolster an agenda contrary to the well-being of our citizens. Rhode Island cannot afford to send a novice to Washington.

East Providence