Dist. 50 incumbent's campaign faces daunting political history.
Incumbent Rep. Jon Brien (D-Dist. 50) and his supporters launched a write-in campaign Thursday against Democratic primary victor Stephen Casey, defying the inauspicious history of such efforts with a mix of optimism and chagrin. The last successful write-in campaign in RI was in 1990, according to Ian Donnis's blog, On Politics. Dist. 69 incumbent Mark Dailey failed to get enough votes to get on the ballot, and wound up running a write-in campaign against two other write-in candidates. Dailey won, but Brien's write-in effort faces an additional challenge: Casey is on the ballot. Casey is on that ballot thanks to a 52 vote majority — hardly a resounding mandate, which gives Brien and his supporters confidence as they admit they could …
41.994639
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Pepin Lumber
830 Cumberland Hill Rd, Woonsocket, RI
/articles/brien-supporters-aim-to-buck-write-in-hurdle-nov-6
505340
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Supporters, spectators welcomed announcement with applause.
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, The Burrito Company, WNRI, Olly's Pizzaria and …
41.994639
-71.487203
Pepin Lumber
830 Cumberland Hill Rd, Woonsocket, RI
/articles/video-rep-jon-brien-speaks-about-reasons-for-write-in-campaign
505340
/locations/7887047
Yvette M Ayotte
8:48 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Watch it Mr O'ryan, I may reveal your true identity. more ›