Cicilline in Primary for Congress

Providence mayor David Cicilline faces a four-way primary Tuesday in his quest to succeed Patrick Kennedy in Congress from Rhode Island.

According to the Associated Press, Cicilline and Palm Springs mayor Steve Pougnet hope to increase the number of out members of Congress from three to five. Pougnet, a married father of two who ran unopposed in a June primary, is seeking to unseat Republican Mary Bono Mack in November.

"The races have drawn intense interest from gay advocacy groups, which are excited about two candidates who could help push for legislation to institute hate crime protections, prevent discrimination and advocate for same-sex marriage rights," reports the AP.

Polls have shown Cicilline with a comfortable lead over his rivals for the Democratic nomination.