Christine Canavan

Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
from the 10th Plymouth district
In office
1993 – January 7, 2015
Preceded by John Cruz
Succeeded by Michelle DuBois
Personal details
Born January 25, 1950
Dorchester, Massachusetts
Nationality American
Political party Democratic
Spouse(s) Paul
Children 2
Residence Brockton, Massachusetts
Alma mater Massasoit Community College, University of Massachusetts Boston
Religion Catholic
Website http://www.christinecanavan.com

Christine E. Canavan is a former American state legislator who served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1993 to 2015. She was the state representative for the 10th Plymouth District, which consists of West Bridgewater, Ward 4, Precincts B&C; Ward 5, Precincts B, C & D; and all of Ward 6 of Brockton, Precinct 3 of Easton, and Precinct 1 of East Bridgewater.[1] She declined to seek re-election in 2014.

Early life and career

Canavan graduated from Massasoit Community College in 1983 with an Associate degree in nursing. In 1988, Canavan received a Bachelor's degree in nursing from University of Massachusetts, Boston. She was employed as a registered nurse prior to becoming a legislator.

Political career

Before becoming a state legislator, Canavan served for three years on the Brockton school committee.[2] Canavan was first elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1993. She has been re-elected every time since her first campaign. In many years, Canavan has not faced a primary or general election opponent. In 2010, she faced her most difficult reelection campaign in many years, defeating Matt Albanese in the primary with 52% of the vote,[3] and defeating John Cruz of West Bridgewater in the general election with 53% of the vote.[4]

As a state representative, Canavan serves on the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, the Joint Committee on Housing, the Joint Committee on Public Health, the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, and the House Committee on Ways and Means.[1] Creedon's voting record in the house has been consistently high in recent years, with the exception of 2011, when she spent the beginning of the year recovering from a broken leg.[5]

When a bill was before the House regarding the placement of a ballot question that called for banning gay marriage, Canavan initially voted yes for the bill, but changed her position by voting against an amendment later on that essentially killed the bill.[6][7] Canavan voted in favor of casino gaming in a 2011 vote.[8] She has publicly stated that she has reservations about the cost of a south coast commuter rail extension, but would support such a project if environmental concerns are taken care of.[9]

Canavan declined to seek re-election in 2014; she plans to become a Methodist minister after her term expires in 2015.[10]

Electoral history

2010

Massachusetts House of Representatives 10th Plymouth District, 2010
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Christine E. Canavan 6,705 53.13
Republican John Cruz 5,237 41.50
Democratic Primary 10th Plymouth District, 2010
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Christine E. Canavan 1,477 52.43
Democratic Matthew P. Albanese 1,340 47.56

2004

Massachusetts House of Representatives 10th Plymouth District, 2004[11]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Christine E. Canavan 10,604 70.60
Republican Mark Chauppette 4,414 29.39

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Member Profile: Christine Canavan". Massachusetts General Court. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
  2. ↑ "Representative Christine Canavan - Biography". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
  3. ↑ "2010 State Primary Results". Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
  4. ↑ "2010 Return of Votes Complete Statistics" (PDF). Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
  5. ↑ Kane, Corey. "Brockton Legislators Absent Minded". Patriot Ledger. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
  6. ↑ "Lawmakers who changed their vote on the gay marriage question". WHDH. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
  7. ↑ O'Sullivan, Jim (June 22, 2007). "Gay marriage vote killed by legislators". Norton Mirror. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
  8. ↑ "Roll Call: Mass. House, Senate Votes On Casinos". WBUR / Associated Press. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
  9. ↑ "Q&A with Rep. Christine Canavan and challenger John Cruz". Brockton Enterprise. October 28, 2010. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
  10. ↑ http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/01/brockton_state_rep_christine_c.html
  11. ↑ "State Election Results 2004" (PDF). Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth. Retrieved 27 August 2012.