VIDEO: Rep. Jon Brien Speaks About Reasons For Write-In Campaign

Rep. Jon Brien (D-Dist. 50) told supporters outside Pepin Lumber Thursday morning his decision to launch a write-in campaign was inpired by voters who urged him to keep running for the seat.

Brien lost by 50 votes to primary challenger firefighter Stephen Casey Sept. 11, which the incumbent attributed partly to confusion over new polling places this year. Brien said he was also targeted by "public sector union bosses" looking to protect their turf and silence him as a voice for small business in Woonsocket. 

Many small business owners showed for the conference, making up the lion's share of a crowd that punctuated Brien's speech with applause. Among them were Paul's Family Restaurant, route: {:controller=>"listings", :action=>"show", :id=>"pauls-family-restaurant"} -->, , ,  and