WJAR: Beyond the Podium: Gabe Amo cites housing as biggest issue facing Rhode Island

Rhode Island Democratic Congressman Gabe Amo is seeking his first full term in the November election.

Amo said his experience and serving in the administrations of two presidents differentiates him from any opponents.

He said passing legislation in his first 10 months in office is one of his noted accomplishments.

Amo cited housing costs -- and the cost of living in general -- as the biggest issue facing Rhode Island.

He said he's uniquely qualified to tackle that issue because of his upbringing in Pawtucket.

"Living in a triple-decker, going to private school, having that life experience combined with working on, actually, the issue of housing," Amo said.

"I certainly thought that a legislature was somewhat subordinate to that of the executive branch," Amo said. "But having been in Congress, I've seen that we can't do big things unless we pass meaningful legislation. That's one of the reasons I ran is so that we can make the promise of our government possible by combining the executive's role and that of the legislature putting forth great ideas."

Amo said while on the campaign trail he sometimes wishes people would ask him what his favorite restaurant is.

"Though that gets me into trouble," he said.

As for the best advice he's ever received?

"Work hard," Amo said. "Work hard. Make sure that you are there to turn the lights out. Make sure that people don't only hear that you're working, but that you work to your fullest possibility when no one's watching,"