Breaking News: State Rep. Betsy Dennigan Resigns Seat

13-year incumbent Democratic State Representative Betsy Dennigan (Dist. 62), who represents constituencies in Pawtucket and East Providence, announced this afternoon that she is resigning her seat effective immediately, in order to devote her time towards a long shot primary race against incumbent 2nd District Congressman Jim Langevin in 2010.

In this evening’s online version of the Providence Journal, she stated:

“It has been a privilege to serve the people of my district,” she said in a statement released just before 6:30 p.m. “I’m grateful for the opportunity they provided me and the confidence they placed in me. The best way to honor this gift of trust and support is to make sure my constituents have a full-time Representative in the next session. My goal in stepping down today is to allow time for a special election. It’s critical that the 62nd District has the representation it needs and deserves next year.”

While it was widely assumed that she would not be seeking reelection in 2010, the timing of her sudden resignation this year will set up a Special Election in House District 62. The seat is roughly a 75% Pawtucket / 25% East Providence seat, so a Pawtucket-based candidate would probably have a better shot at winning. Given the timing of the special election in the weeks before Christmas, in the winter, and the fact that it is a Special Election, low turnout is almost a given. I am certain that it will be an interesting election from our perspective.

According to a well-informed source, the Special Election should occur within the next 70 to 90 days, with a primary, if necessary, to occur about 5 weeks prior. This would place the special election in mid to late December, with a primary in early to mid November.

Declarations of candidacy will likely occur within the next several weeks, once the R.I. Secretary of State’s office announces the special election calendar within the next several days.