BOSTON --U.S. Rep. Martin Meehan, who made a national reputation for his efforts on campaign finance legislation, is poised to leave Washington for the top job at his alma mater.
His departure from Congress to become chancellor of the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, expected to be formally approved by university trustees on Wednesday morning, also sets up a furious race for a rare open seat in the House.
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At least eight candidates have expressed an interest in his 5th District seat, representing an area from Haverhill in the northeast across Middlesex County to Bolton and Berlin in the southwest. Under state law, Gov. Deval Patrick would declare a special election between 140 and 165 days after Meehan submits his resignation.
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Democratic state Reps. Barry Finegold of Andover and Jim Miceli of Wilmington have said they would run for Meehan's seat. Fellow Democrats Niki Tsongas, wife of the late Sen. Paul Tsongas -- who once held the 5th District seat -- and Lowell City Councilor Eileen Donoghue also said they planned campaigns. And Steve Kerrigan of Lancaster, most recently chief of staff to former Attorney General Tom Reilly, said he is considering a campaign.
On the Republican side, former state Rep. Donna Cuomo of North Andover and Lawrence Mayor Michael Sullivan have discussed campaigns.
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