Nation : Rep. Schneider Challenges Pell

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rep. Claudine Schneider (R-R.I.) ended months of speculation today and announced her candidacy for the seat held by Sen. Claiborne Pell, (D-R.I.)

Schneider, who has served in the House for 10 years, faces a tough battle against Pell, a 30-year veteran and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

But Schneider told supporters as she announced her candidacy today that she has always fought against the odds and won.

“At 25, my world turned upside down. Doctors said I had a 50-50 chance to beat cancer. Like other survivors, I was able to fight, able to live. We survivors beat the odds. We won,” she said.