President Barack Obama today endorsed Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Rhode Island's first district, according to a release distributed by the Cicilline campaign.

"Congressman Cicilline has stood at my side as we have worked to help middle class families get ahead and put our economy back on the right track," said President Barack Obama. "Even in his first term, David has already established himself as a strong advocate for Rhode Island by working to reinvigorate American manufacturing, cut taxes for middle class families, and support investments in local infrastructure projects. I need Rhode Islanders to send David Cicilline back to Washington so he can continue fighting for them."

"I thank President Obama for his endorsement today," said Congressman Cicilline. "This November, we have a clear choice between re-electing President Obama and moving our country forward, or supporting Mitt Romney and Republicans who want to take us back to the failed policies of the past. I am looking forward to going back to Washington to work with him and to fight on behalf of the hardworking men and women of Rhode Island's First District."

Currently serving his first term in office, Congressman Cicilline has earned a reputation as a strong proponent of strengthening manufacturing to put men and women back to work in well-paying jobs. In addition, Cicilline has consistently opposed House Republican efforts to roll back women's reproductive freedoms, repeal President Obama's historic health care reform law, and end the guarantee of Medicare.

"The Republicans have made clear they want to return to the policies of the past that weakened our economy in the first place. We need leaders in Congress who will do what is right for American families, and we have that leader in Congressman Cicilline," added President Obama.

Editorial note: Written from a press release.