Yesterday afternoon, the RI Republican Party sent out this slightly coy e-mail.

Some Questions for Rhode Islanders in the First Congressional District
Do you think its time we replace Patrick Kennedy in Washington?
Would you like to see a real challenger emerge who has a proven track record fighting for Rhode Island?
A leader who was elected to three terms in the General Assembly?
A politician who is so effective and so good at building consensus that he has run unopposed by the majority party twice in a row?
Is serving in the Army Reserve for 26 years and retiring as a senior officer (lieutenant colonel) and helicopter pilot important experience to bring to Washington?
Would you like to have a successful small business owner, with real world experience represent you in Washington?
Is it time for the First Congressional District to have a Congressman we can all be proud of again?
If you answered yes to these questions, then I encourage you to send an e-mail to State Representative John Loughlin at rep-john@cox.net and tell him, “Run John, Run!!!”
John served 26 years in the Army Reserve and is serving his 3rd term in the Rhode Island House, he is a successful small businessman. An Eagle Scout from Pawtucket, a graduate of Lincoln Sr. High School and a leader who reaches across the aisle to build consensus and get things done for his district.
If this is the kind of Rhode Islander you would like to represent you, e-mail him today. In fact, you may want to invite him to your next Republican town committee meeting and see for yourself.
You can learn more about John at http://www.johnloughlin.org
Run John, Run!

Following upon Rep Loughlin’s letter in Sunday’s ProJo critical of Congressman Kennedy’s support of the pork-laden stimulus bill, we can probably put two and two together without reaching for a calculator.