Lorne Adrain, the architect of the anti-Cianci group, announcing his then-candidacy for mayor

By Sam Wroblewski, reporting by Kim Kalunian WPRO News

Former candidate for Providence Mayor Lorne Adrain is pulling the plug on a third party group dedicated to stopping independent Buddy Cianci from winning his old seat in City Hall.

The Providence businessman had been trying to form a coalition in early September that included three-time candidate for Governor Myrth York, to raise up to $1 million to undermine Cianci and allow Democratic nominee Jorge Elorza to stay positive in the campaign. Adrain told WPRO there wasn’t enough of an appetite given the time constraints.

“With several short weeks remaining in the campaign season I just concluded there’s not enough time to pursue that kind of an effort successfully,” Adrain told WPRO News Friday. “There was not enough appetite quickly enough.”

Shortly after the formation of the group, Cianci had said the plan would “backfire,” however Adrain doesn’t see it as a victory from the former mayor.

“They’re pursuing their campaign in the best way they know how, and I think a number of people in the city feel differently about the kind of leadership the city needs,” he said.

Adrain said while he won’t personally cease his efforts to keep Cianci out of office, he will be focusing on supporting Elorza for mayor.