SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- Former attorney general candidate Stephen R. Archambault was quick to jump after state Sen. John J. Tassoni Jr. announced he would not seek reelection.

Archambault, a former Smithfield Town Council member, announced his candidacy on Thursday, the same day Tassoni made his announcement.

Archambault spokesman Rob Horowitz said the lawyer and former Jamestown police officer's first priority is job creation.

"Rhode Island should not lag behind the rest of New England," Horowitz said. "That's what motivates him to run."

Archambault, 46, finished second last year in a three-way Democratic primary in the race for attorney general, taking 33 percent of the vote. The primary winner, Peter F. Kilmartin, went on to win in November.

Tassoni holds the seat for Senate District 22, which covers all of Smithfield and most of North Smithfield.