District 24 race won’t include this candidate

Democrat Carol Frisk allegedly out; name will still be on ballot

WOONSOCKET – One of the five candidates for Senate District 24 has told local media that she has changed her mind about running.

Dave Richards of radio station WOON and Roger Bouchard of WNRI both said they received a letter from Democrat Carol Frisk saying she no longer wants to run. Frisk didn’t respond to a message on her answering machine or reply to an email request for confirmation from

The Call as of press time Monday, however.

As a practical matter, Frisk’s announcement won’t change much. Even if she actively suspends all campaign activities, there will still be a primary with her name on the ballot, as well as that of the other Democrat in the race, Melissa A. Murray.

The Board of Canvassers has received no request from Frisk, of 1216 Logee St., asking that her name be removed

from the ballot, and even if it received one now, it’s too late to do anything about it, according to the state Board of Elections.

“The withdrawal would have had to be filed no later than July 23,” said Manny Hernandez, a planning and programming clerk at the BOE.

Board of Canvassers Manager Estelle Corriveau said she has had no communication with Frisk about her desire to withdraw.

The party primary to eliminate one of the two Democrats in the race is scheduled for Sept. 12. A two-term member of the Woonsocket City Council, Murray, of 268 Prospect St., says Frisk’s intentions won’t change how she runs her campaign.

“As far as my campaign is concerned it doesn’t change anything for me,” she said. “I started canvassing weeks ago and would have done so regardless of whether or not I had a primary opponent.”

Murray said she commends “anyone that decides to run” for public office. “It’s not easy to put yourself our there for public criticism, but it’s not for everyone,” she said.

Three other independents are also vying for the seat, including Michael Disney of 939 Bernon St.; Glenn F. Dusablon, 23 Elizabeth Ave., North Smithfield; and Richard L. Garrepy, 112 Farm St.

The winner of the general election, on Nov. 6, will succeed state Sen. Marc A. Cote (D-Dist. 24, North Smithfield, Woonsocket), who is stepping down after holding the position for 24 years.