Candidate Challenges Rep. Howitt to Debates

If the campaign for the state House of Representatives' 4th Bristol District, which includes Seekonk, ran the way wanted, he and would face each other in seven debates. It is not clear if Howitt shares this vision.

Carreiro challenged Howitt to a series of seven debates "invoking the spirit of" Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas, according to a press release issued by the Swansea resident's campaign.

"I want to have an open dialogue with the voters and between the candidates," said Carreiro, according to the release. "Democracy needs dialogue and both of us owe it to the voters and our system of government to talk more about the issues facing us."

The Howitt campaign did not respond to Seekonk Patch's request for comment on Carreiro's challenge. However, a Howitt spokesman did send a press release to tout the representative's "perfect voting record." Howitt participated in all 374 roll call votes during the 2011-12 legislative session, according to the release.

"I'm proud of my 100 percent voting record," Howitt said, according to the release. "I'm working day in and day out on Beacon Hill to advance legislation that will benefit all of my constituents."

[The press releases from both candidates are attached to this article.]

Howitt and Carreiro are the only candidates from their respective parties in this campaign, so there will be no primary. Their names will appear on the ballot in the November general election.