Four Candidates File to Fill House District 62 Seat

Four candidates have filed official Declarations of Candidacy to run for the House seat left vacant when Elizabeth Dennigan resigned earlier this month.

Secretary of State Mollis

Democrat Mary Duffy Messier of Pawtucket, independents Brian Cinq-Mars of Pawtucket and Paul Dinsmore of East Providence, who challenged Dennigan as a Republican in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008; and Republican Thomas Clupny of East Providence are vying to replace Dennigan, who had served since 1997.

State law required the contenders to submit Declarations of Candidacy by 4 p.m. today. In order to file, the candidates had to be registered voters of the district, which stretches along the banks of the Seekonk River in East Providence and Pawtucket.

The next step begins this Tuesday, when the contenders can begin asking House District 62 voters to sign their nomination papers. The documents– including the signatures of at least 50 local voters – must be submitted to the local boards of canvassers by Oct. 27.

It won't be known which candidates will qualify for the ballot until our office and the East Providence and Pawtucket boards of canvassers have certified that the contenders submitted the required 50 valid signatures. The certification of signatures generally takes several days.

The special election became necessary when Dennigan resigned Oct. 1. While there will be no primary, there are several other crucial dates leading up to the Dec. 29 election. Nov. 28 is the deadline for registering to vote and mail ballots must be requested by Dec. 8.