The man who previously led the Rhode Island police force will announce today his intention to challenge freshman Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) in the 1st district.

The move by Brendan Doherty (R), the recently retired state police superintendent, sets up a likely GOP primary against 2010 Congressional candidate John Loughlin. Loughlin is about to be deployed to Iraq but is widely expected to run again for a seat he lost by 6 points.

While the district leans strongly to the left, Cicilline is suffering through approval ratings in the teens amid recent negative press related to his time as Providence mayor.

In a statement confirming his plans, Doherty offered this motivation for his decision: “Rhode Island needs Congressional representation with uncompromising strength and integrity, untainted by scandal and owing no party or person anything. That’s me.”

“I believe my fresh and untainted perspective separates me from others whose vision has been blurred by partisan obligations and personal ambition,” he said.