Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

The deadline to take out declaration papers for former Rep. Elizabeth "Betsy" Dennigan's seat was 4 p.m. Friday.

Over the last two days, four candidates have pledged their interest in the District 62 spot for the R.I. House of Representatives. Dennigan resigned from the General Assembly position she held for 13 years to focus on her bid for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District.

The four vying to replace Dennigan include two Pawtucket residents and two East Providence taxpayers. (The district covers East Providence and a small portion of Pawtucket.) Candiates have until Oct. 27 to return their papers with 50 signatures from registered voters, canvassing authorities said.

The special election will be Dec. 29. There is no need for a primary because there are two independent candidates, one Republican and one Democrat, East Providence Canvassing Clerk MaryAnn Callahan explained.

Democrat Mary Duffy Messier, a recently retired Cumberland teacher from Pawtucket, announced weeks before she could officially declare her intentions.

"I intend to walk door to door to learn the issues and challenges facing the residents of the 62nd District," Messier said. "The economy, taxes, education, health care, the housing crises, crime and the environment are issues that I hope to receive feedback on from the citizens of the district."

The two independents are newcomer Brian Cinq-Mars, a Pawtucket resident and mortgage specialist, and Paul A. Dinsmore, a lawyer from East Providence who has run and lost in races in every election since 1988.

Cinq-Mars is the son-in-law of East Providence City Councilman Bruce DiTraglia. The 38-year-old said newcomers are liked because voters generally see them as "untainted" and "uninfluenced" with "pure intentions."

"Nobody owes me any favors and I don't owe any favors," he said.

Dinsmore, who lost to Dennigan repeatedly said, "I run because I want to be elected. I'm dedicated and no one can deny that."

Republican candidate Thomas L. Clupny, of 30 Bourne Ave., East Providence, did not immediately return the Journal's call.

 Tags  East Providence RI Pawtucket RI Rhode Island General Assembly District 62

Comments

Dub Not Dubya said:

Why do you state it as Pawtucket "residents" and East Providence "taxpayers"?

Link | October 16, 2009 6:46 PM
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ep proud said:

PROJO 10/13/09 "It was seven years ago that Henderson came home –– first to his home state of Rhode Island, then completing the homecoming cycle by becoming an assistant principal at his alma mater, Woonsocket High.

In a sense, he is one of Rhode Island's best athletic success stories –– the young black man who grew up in Woonsocket and used his football talents to pave the way for a successful life.

But unlike so many others who use their athletic skills to create opportunities, then put their economically depressed hometown in the rear-view mirror, Henderson came back to Woonsocket. He came back to show the city's young people that it is "do-able." To show them that a minority kid who grows up in this city of wooden tenements where a significant percentage of residents live below the poverty level can assume a role of leadership in his adult life."

Only in EP is it now taboo to bring back or keep townies in the schools as role models. What a shame. Congrats Woonsocket.

Link | October 18, 2009 9:50 AM
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Joe B said:

Mary Duffy Messier will be just another rubber stamp. although she's a nice lady, and i know her from church, she will not represent us, she will pay back the huge debt she will incure from the insiders that back her. we really need a change. we can no longer afford more of the same.

Link | October 19, 2009 10:03 AM
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aaron said:

Messier states she'll walk door to door to find out the issues!! If your that clueless already about the issues don't bother running at all. Are you from this planet Messier?

Link | October 19, 2009 1:46 PM
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