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Former Providence Mayor Buddy Cianci Collapses At Portrait Unveiling

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (CBS/AP) — Former Providence, Rhode Island, mayor and two-time felon Buddy Cianci was taken by ambulance after collapsing at a portrait unveiling in his honor at City Hall.

A former campaign manager says Cianci was overcome by the heat in the crowded room and had to sit down. An ambulance was called as a precaution and took Cianci away after the portrait unveiling.

Cianci was conscious and talking as he left.

Before Cianci collapsed, a portrait of him was unveiled at City Hall. Cianci couldn't resist telling a one-liner referring to his criminal past.

Cianci told a crowd Thursday evening it's not the first time he's "been framed," a line met with applause and cheers.

Cianci was Providence's longest-serving mayor. He spent 21 years in City Hall but was forced from office twice because of felonies. He ran unsuccessfully for mayor last year.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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