Lombardi, Palumbo, Handy Win Primary Challenges

Low turnout marked the 2012 Statewide Primary, with just under 5,500 voters in Cranston hitting the polls.

In the state Democratic Senate Dist. 26 race, Frank S. Lombardi, currently a School Committee member, defeated challenger Gene T. Dyszlewski, a reverand, with a commanding 678 vote difference. Lombardi, who has campaigned — and spent — heavily leading up to the primary, garnered a total of 1,057 votes for 73.6 percent of the vote.

In a release, Dyszlewski conceded the race and said he "vowed to continue advocating for economic fairness, equality and the welfare of all Rhode Islanders."

"It has been an honor and a privilege to have met so many neighbors and to have made so many new friends during the campaign," he said. "While I am disappointed, I am gratified that I have had the opportunity to engage voters in discussion of issues that are important to all of us.  I will continue to be actively involved in my community."

Lombardi will not face off against Sean P. Gately, who is running for the Dist. 26 seat as a Republican.

In the state House Dist. 16 primary, Peter G. Palumbo won with narrower margin of victory. He got 545 votes — just 69 more than Michell D. Bergin, the endorsed Democrat.

Over in House Dist. 19, Arthur Handy handily kept his seat away from William P. McKenna, earning nearly twice as many votes — 850 to McKenna's 442.