NORTH PROVIDENCE - Former state Sen. Catherine E. Graziano is challenging incumbent Frank A. Ciccone in the Democratic primary in District 7 on Sept. 9.

Graziano was a senator in District 5 from 1992-2002, but her seat was erased in redistricting. Ciccone has been the senator in District 7 since 2002 and is seeking a third term.

Ciccone is 58 and lives at 15 Mercy St., Providence. He is a lifelong resident of Providence. He is employed by the Rhode Island Laborers District Council as the president and field representative; he also worked as the executive assistant for administration at the Rhode Island Supreme Court. He graduated from Hope High School in 1965 and attended Bryant College. He has completed additional coursework at Harvard University, JFK School of Government, and the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School. Ciccone has a daughter.

Graziano is 76 and lives at 42 Rowley St., Providence. She is a lifelong resident of the city. She earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Salve Regina University and a master's degree from the school. She also earned a master's degree at Boston College and a Ph. D. from Pacific Wesleyan University. She is retired, having worked as a faculty member at Salve Regina University from 1953 to 1996, as chairwoman of the school's nursing department from 1973 to 1992. She has also worked at St. Joseph Hospital, and she was chairwoman of the Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals Union negotiating committee.

Graziano, a registered nurse, said in a press release that she was responsible for sponsoring several legislative acts including the Abandoned Baby Bill, jail time for domestic abuse after a third conviction, as well as felony charges for assault on health care workers.

Graziano said, she "believes that we need senators elected who care about the economy and the effects on constituents." She promised to address those issues if elected.

Ciccone has not responded to The Breeze's request for his campaign issues.