Once Arrested Rep To Face Police Officer in Dist. 71 Race

The state representative, who was , will run against a retired policeman for his seat. 

will run for a second term in office, according to his declaration papers filed at Portsmouth Town Hall this week. 

Gordon, who is running as a Libertarian, became the center of a widespread media inquiry after his September 2011 arrest as a fugitive from justice in Massachusetts.

Gordon, who was also , was wanted for failure to appear on an eluding charge and other motor vehicle violations. In April of this year, he also drew attention to himself after to "make a statement," he said. 

Gordon will face former for the District 71 seat. Canario, a lifelong Portsmouth resident, is a retired Portsmouth police officer. 

Canario filed his declaration for candidacy papers this week at Town Hall. 

There could be more candidates running for this district, too. 

Rhode Islanders who are thinking about running for office have until this Wednesday at 4 p.m. to file a Declaration of Candidacy in order to be eligible to appear on this year's ballot.

Candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate and electors for independent presidential candidates must file with the Secretary of State's Elections Division, 148 West River St., Providence.

Voters who plan to run for state or local office must file with the board of canvassers in the city or town where they are registered to vote. The Board of Canvassers is located at Town Hall in Portsmouth. 

The next important step occurs from July 3 to 13, when candidates must collect the signatures of enough eligible voters to officially put them on the ballot. The thresholds range from 50 signatures for some municipal offices to 1,000 signatures for U.S. Senate.