(AP) — The mayor of Providence, R.I., and a former state Democratic Party official are running for Patrick Kennedy's U.S. House seat.

Kennedy announced this week that he would not seek a ninth term.

Providence Mayor David Cicilline (sis-uh-LEEN'-ee) says he's in the race. In 2002, the 48-year-old attorney became the first openly gay man elected mayor of Providence. He promised to clean up city government after a City Hall corruption scandal.

Former Democratic Party chairman Bill Lynch, a 52-year-old attorney, also formally declared himself a candidate for Kennedy's seat on Saturday.

Both candidates cited job creation and the economy as important issues. The unemployment rate in Rhode Island is nearly 13 percent.

What's in NUMC's future? ... Pool safety tips ... LI Works: Selling seafood Credit: Newsday

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Nassau fails to comply with ICE deadline ... What's in NUMC's future? ... Remembering Dolly Parton ... Explore the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery

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