David Segal talks with supporters at the opening of his Providence field office.

More than 75 supporters braved a sudden rain shower to hear Democrat David Segal at the opening of his Providence field office this afternoon. Segal, a member of the the state legislature, is running for the first Congressional district seat held by Patrick Kennedy, who is not seeking re-election.

"The power that corporations have is the reason for all the foreclosures and the toubles of small businesses. The corporations have all the power they need in DC," said Segal. "I want to go to Washington to represent the people of Rhode Island."

Segal has been the state representative from Providence and East Providence since 2006, and before that, served on the Providence City Council. During his time in the legislature, he has worked to pass laws cracking down on predatory lending and big banks, to protect families from foreclosure, and to bring green jobs to the state, his campaign said in a release.

Segal said he aims to run a grassroots, people-powered campaign. "This will not be done through big corporate contributions," he said, jokingly adding, "I don't know how many would be offered..."

I started following Segal's legislative work back when the Portsmouth EDC was developing the Wind Turbine proposal. Segal was the driving force behind the Net Metering legislation that helps the town maximize our return on the turbine, and he recently helped rebuff attempts by the legislature to raid the Renewable Energy Fund.

Had a chance to meet and chat briefly with Segal, and he was interested in and knowledgeable about issues in Portsmouth. He told me that he sits next to our Rep. Jay Edwards, and he had complimentary things to say about him, as well as other members of our delegation. Segal said he'd welcome the opportunity to come down to Portsmouth, and that the campaign is looking to open a field office here on Aquidneck Island.

For more info, visit www.VoteSegal.com.

Full disclosure: I self-identify as a progressive, and want someone who represents those values in Congress. I really like Segal's record.