Kilmartin Holds On To Attorney General Seat

Kilmartin Holds On To Attorney General Seat

Peter Kilmartin, the incumbent Attorney General, won the confidence of the voters who granted him a second term in tonight’s General Election. Kilmartin, a former Pawtucket Police Officer who served in the state legislature and rose into the role of House Majority Whip, won the election with 56 percent (168, 487 votes) of the vote to Republican Dawson Tucker Hodgeson's 43 percent (128,063 votes) of the vote.

Unlike his predecessor, Patrick Lynch, Kilmartin served a relatively quiet, for the most part, first term. There were no major controversies like the station fire of 2003 to garner any negative attention towards Kilmartin, which was a boon to his political aspirations this election cycle.

Kilmartin was attacked for his vote in 2010, when he was a state legislator that helped bring the 38 studios deal to fruition. He was also criticized by his opponent, Republican State Senator Dawson Hodgson, for failing to intensify the investigation into the 38 studios fallout. 

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

Anthony Capezza, who represents the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, which endorsed Kilmartin, said that Kilmartin’s record gave voters a good reason to reelect him.

“Peter is the most knowledgeable and has proven himself throughout his first term,” said Capezza. “He’s been a fair Attorney General, but he’s also been tough on crime at the same time.”

Capezza also argued that Kilmartin has good government credentials, noting that he prosecuted more open meetings violations than any previous Attorney General candidate.