Portsmouth resident and former U.S. Navy SEAL Dave Rogers will formally declare his candidacy to unseat Congressman Patrick Kennedy on Monday, November 17, 2003 at the Bristol County Court House. In a press release put out by the campaign, he said, “I have been laying the groundwork for this campaign for the last 10 months.” Continuing, he said “We have the resources, energy and support to finish the job we started in 2001.”
“As a former U.S. Navy SEAL, I know the value of hard work and commitment and I am committed to work hard and win this race.” Rogers indicated “Rhode Islanders of the 1st district deserve representation that is accountable and responsible and I intend on providing it.”
Rogers said that he was raised "over $700,000" for his 2004 campaign from over 15,000 contributors. He won a three way primary and was the Republican nominee for RI-1 in 2002.
