PROVIDENCE, R.I., June 26 (UPI) -- Buddy Cianci, who was twice forced out as mayor of Providence, R.I., by criminal convictions, is running again this year.
Cianci, formally known as Vincent A. Cianci Jr., was one of 10 candidates to file during a three-day nominating period that ended Wednesday. By the deadline, there were six Democrats, three independents, including Cianci, and a lone Republican in the field.
To get on the ballot, the candidates must still present petitions signed by at least 500 registered voters living in Providence, Rhode Island's capital and largest city.
Cianci, now 73, has served as mayor for 21 years, longer than anyone else in the history of Providence. He was first elected to office at the age of 33, making him the youngest Providence mayor ever, as well as the first Italian-American and first Republican to hold the office.
He resigned in 1984 after he admitted assaulting a contractor, a crime for which he received a suspended sentence. He ran again in 1990 as an independent.
In 2002, Cianci was convicted of a single federal corruption charge after being charged with more than 20 counts following an investigation given the name "Operation Plunder Dome." He served a prison term and, since his release, has been working as a radio talk-show host.
