Obama arrives in RI, heads to Newport fundraiser

NEWPORT, R.I. —

President Barack Obama is on a fundraising blitz and Newport is one of his stops.

The president arrived in Rhode Island on Friday evening en route to headline an event for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee at a residence on Ocean Avenue.

Air Force One touched down at T.F. Green Airport in Warwick at about 6:10 p.m.

The president was greeted by Gov. Lincoln Chafee and U.S. Sen. Jack Reed. He met with supporters for a few minutes and quickly boarded Marine 1 for the fundraiser.

U.S. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi was expected to attend the event.

Rhode Island Democratic congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline are expected to attend along with House Speaker Nick Mattiello and Senate President Theresa Paiva Weed. Newport Mayor Harry Winthrop and Central Falls Mayor James Diossa are also expected to be in attendance. The top-priced ticket is $32,400.

The event will be held at an ocean-front home built more than 75 years ago.

The owner of the home is Richard Bready. He's a former CEO of NORTEK, a company that makes building products, and a philanthropist who has served on the board of many Providence charities and institutions.

A real estate listing said the home, known as Seafair, was built to showcase the curve of the coastline.

On Friday, security guards patrolled around the house and up and down Ocean Avenue making sure every last detail was in order for the president's arrival.

Parking restrictions in Newport will be in effect from noon to 10 p.m. Friday. Police said no parking will be allowed on sections of Memorial Boulevard, Bellevue Avenue and Ocean Avenue. Many no parking signs were put up Thursday night.

Obama is scheduled to leave T.F. Green just before 9 p.m. The president's departure will cause flight restrictions for private plans through Saturday.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee works to elect Democrats to the House of Representatives.