By Cynthia Needham
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Though the death of Providence Rep. Thomas C. Slater is still painfully fresh, questions have begun swirling about what will happen to his House of Representatives seat.

Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis' office tells Political Scene that a special election will be held to fill the West End seat sometime between now and the end of the year.

Mollis spokesman Christopher Barnett said his office is collaborating with the Providence Board of Canvassers to develop an election calendar that gives potential candidates enough time to declare, collect signatures and wage a formal campaign.

No dates have yet been set, but Barnett said the schedule could be ready early this week.
"Throughout the process we have been mindful of the importance of respecting the tragic circumstances that created this vacancy," Barnett stressed.

State law dictates that a special election must be held if the vacancy occurs before the first Monday in February of the second year of the two-year term, as Slater's did. The exception is if the vacancy occurs after the Assembly has nearly completed its January session, in which case the special election must be held by the end of the year.

Here's where it gets a bit complicated. Though the Assembly has wrapped up most of its yearly business, it did not formally adjourn in June, instead going into an extended hiatus. Barnett says the Secretary of State's office believes it has until the close of the year to hold the election.

Slater died last Monday after a long battle with breast cancer. He was 68.

Political insiders were hesitant speculate about who might seek to replace the beloved representative so soon after his death, but word has emerged from several corners that constituents and friends are recruiting Slater's younger son, Scott Slater, to consider a run.

The younger Slater, who lives next door to his father and works at Providence City Hall, is reportedly weighing the option.