Brendan Doherty Advances to “On the Radar”

Washington — The National Republican Congressional Committee today announced Brendan Doherty, candidate for Rhode Island’s First Congressional District, as an “On the Radar” candidate, the important first step in the “Young Guns” program. Founded during the 2007-2008 election cycle by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Paul Ryan (R-WI), who remain actively involved today, the “Young Guns” program is a Member-driven effort that is the primary method for recruiting strong candidates for both open-seat and challenger races. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) is leading candidate recruitment this cycle as the NRCC’s Vice Chair for Recruitment.

“We are looking forward to working with Brendan Doherty, who has already proven himself by meeting rigorous benchmarks in the ‘Young Guns’ program,” said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX). “Brendan Doherty’s experience as a successful public safety and community leader in Rhode Island enables him to advocate effectively for common-sense policies and fight the failing status quo in Washington. This will stand in stark contrast to Nancy Pelosi’s partisan record of spending, borrowing and taxing that Rhode Island families and small business owners know has failed.”

Specifically, the “Young Guns” program encourages candidates who have proven their ability to meet crucial campaign benchmarks to develop their campaigns further in order to achieve victory on Election Day. In achieving “On the Radar” status, Doherty has met the first set of these organizational and fundraising benchmarks and has already begun to establish himself as a strong contender. Doherty will now work toward even higher goals that will help him advance in the “Young Guns” program and build a top-notch campaign.

Brendan Doherty has decades of experience in Rhode Island law enforcement and public safety, which culminated in him serving as Colonel, Superintendent and Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety after serving 28 years with the Rhode Island State Police. As the head of the State Police and the Department of Public Safety, Doherty supervised 350 sworn officers and civilian personnel and oversaw an $80 million budget. Doherty is also very active in Rhode Island charities such as the Special Olympics, Boys & Girls Clubs, Big Brothers, Crossroads homeless shelter, and “Building Bridges” which he founded. Doherty’s dedication to serving the people and communities in Rhode Island makes him an exceptionally strong candidate in Rhode Island’s First Congressional District.