Providence Mayor David Cicilline (sihs-ihl-EE'-nee) is facing new questions about his relationships as he runs to replace Rep. Patrick Kennedy in Congress.
His former police driver was arrested Thursday in a bust of a cocaine dealing ring that also netted two other Providence police officers. And Cicilline's brother recently got out of federal prison for a courthouse corruption scheme.
Cicilline says voters will understand the criminal behavior of his brother and the allegations surrounding the police department are not connected to him. He says he's been meeting with voters to hear their concerns and talk about his accomplishments as mayor.
Brown University political scientist Wendy Schiller says the news creates an additional burden for Cicilline among voters skeptical of politicians.