Photo by Kim Kalunian WPRO News
By Kim Kalunian and Sam Wroblewski, WPRO News
When asked what went wrong in his second comeback bid for Providence City Hall, Vincent “Buddy” Cianci said plainly, “I lost.”
In a brief concession speech, the former mayor and two-time convicted felon said he was trying to lose with grace.
“I’ve won six times in this city and I’ve lost tonight,” said Cianci from a podium at the front of a crowded ballroom inside the downtown Hilton. “When you win, you have to win with grace, and when you lose, you have to lose with grace.”
The 73-year-old said he contacted his Democratic opponent and mayor elect Jorge Elorza to congratulate him, and promised to help the former housing court judge lead the city.
The independent fought a hotly contested campaign against two opponents who took every opportunity to remind voters of his criminal past. Cianci also faced opposition from individuals like Myrth York and Lorne Adrain and various other “Anybody But Cianci” coalitions.
“There were some people who said that we shouldn’t have even been in this race, and maybe they were right,” said Cianci, who plans to return to his radio show on WPRO.
“It was a great experience and it was a great, great love affair I had with the City of Providence that will never end, that will continue until the day I die,” said Cianci.
As for any future plans, Cianci teased the idea.
“It’s kind of a bittersweet night tonight because this will be my last campaign,” said Cianci, a remark met by boo’s until he added, “For this year.”
Cianci lost by almost ten points: 53% to 44%.
