Rhode Island Democrats to Run for Kennedy's Seat

Mayor David Cicilline and William Lynch, both Democrats, officially declared their candidacies less than two hours apart. Mr. Kennedy's decision not to seek re-election has set off frenzied competition among politicians interested in a post once viewed as unassailable because of his political clout and fund-raising ability.

The Rhode Island primary is scheduled for Sept. 14.

Messrs. Cicilline, 48 years old, and Lynch, 52, promised to focus on job creation and fixing the dismal economy, important issues in a state where the unemployment rate is nearly 13%, among the nation's highest.

Mr. Cicilline, who announced his candidacy at a swine-flu shot clinic, said there is a "dangerous disconnect" between what Washington thinks will help Americans and what will actually work. He said a key difference between him and Mr. Lynch is that, as chief executive of the state's largest city, he's witnessed firsthand the effects of the recession.

"What we need in Washington is someone who understands what's happening to families in our cities and towns in this country," he said.