The Hotline Futures Market: Rhode Island

What's the Hotline Futures Market? It's our exclusive look at the up-and-comers in every party in every state. You won't a list like this anywhere else. If you've missed a state, check out our archives.

The giant-in-waiting in RI is obvious. After taking over a mess of a city run by the mob and crawling with investigating FBI agents, Providence Mayor David Cicilline (D) is getting rave reviews. And while Dems' majorities in the legislature -- a more than 4-1 advantage -- are not threatened, the party seems to be making a concerted effort to reach out more to Hispanic voters. GOPers have their bright spots, but at the moment, they're clinging to the Gov mansion and a Sen seat which, thanks to a strong primary challenge, may be lost to Dems. [REID WILSON]

The stars we've been watching since '03:

• Warwick Mayor Scott Avedesian (R): "Everyone wonders what his next move is." The head of the RI Cities and Towns Assoc., Avedesian might have a future or he may have topped out.
• Assemb. Laurence Ehrhardt (R): After losing in '02, Ehrhardt came back to win in '04. Most, however, think he's reached his pinnacle.
• Businessman David Rogers (R): After losing twice to Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D) in RI 01, Rogers runs constituent outreach for Gov. Don Carcieri (R). "David has found satisfaction in places other than running for office."
• Chris Stanley (R): Stanley lost an '02 bid for Sec/State and is no longer involved in politics.
• Providence Mayor David Cicilline (D): "A great mayor," running for re-election in '06, his poll numbers are "through the roof." He gets a lot of credit for turning around ex-Mayor Buddy Ciani's (R) mess. Most believe he'll run for higher office in the future.
• State Sen. Daniel Connors (D): While Connors may have the ambition to run in the future, he lacks the organization for a statewide campaign.
• State Sen. Beatrice Lanzi (D): One of labor's favorites, she "has the potential," but hasn't shown the ambition yet.
• N. Providence Mayor Ralph Mollis (D): Mollis is running for Sec/State in '06, but he'll face a well-funded primary opponent. He's "built a pretty significant organization" to start him off, though.
• State Sen. Juan Pichardo (D): The first elected Hispanic in RI, he has a strong Providence base, and some could see him in the Mayor's office. "He's definitely got some aspirations."

• Cranston City Councillor Allan Fung (R): Running for mayor in '06, Fung is "very bright, very energetic." Most "would not be at all surprised if he's successful."
• Warwick City Councillor Sue Stenhouse (R): Carcieri's Dep Comm. Relations Dir. is pondering a bid for Sec/State, and many believe she'll make the leap within weaks. She "has the energy and the enthusiasm for higher office." A "good campaigner." "Win, lose or draw, I think there will be other things in her future."
• Assemb. Bob Watson (R): The House Min Leader is in his early 40s and boasts a good fundraising base in his affluent district. "He's got all the equipment."
• Assemb. John Loughlin (R): A freshman, he graduated from West Point, served for a time as NASA's Public Affairs officer and beat an "established" incumbent Dem. He's "at the beginning of a really successful" GOP "career."
• State Rep. Amy Rice (D): The former Portsmouth City Councillor is "doing the right things for the right reasons." She's a "go-getter," and "has everything it takes" to make it in the future.
• State Rep. Peter Kilmartin (D): The police officer just received his law degree, and he's seen as a future candidate for leadership. His "peers look to him for advice and guidance."
• State Rep. Greg Schadone (D): An atty with a young family, he's currently focused on building himself a network that expands beyond his district.
• RI Dem Exec Dir. Melba DePena: The first Hispanic Exec. Dir. of a party in RI, she's "shown some great flashes" in her first months on the job.