Doug Gablinske filed Wednesday at Bristol Town Hall to run as an Independent candidate for State Representative, District 69.

Gablinske previously represented District 68 from 2007 through 2010 when he was defeated by Richard Morrison after being targeted by state labor unions.

John Leidecker, the deputy executive director of the National Education Association of Rhode Island, was in 2011 found guilty of a misdemeanor for cyberstalking Gablinske during the campaign and sending out emails from a "Rep. Gablinski" misrepresenting Gablinske's positions on issues. That conviction was cleared in 2014 by a judge who cited Leidecker's First Amendment rights.

Gablinske made the following statement on his return to office:

"Today I announce my candidacy for State Representative in District 69 and look forward to engaging in a lively campaign about the most pressing issues facing Bristol and Portsmouth.

As a lifelong resident of Bristol and a small business owner who works in cities and towns across the East Bay, I believe that we must continue to focus on growing our economy and expanding opportunities for our children and grandchildren. In Rhode Island the ultra-leftist "progressive" wing of the Democratic Party has focused on social issues that are not germane to Bristol and Portsmouth. The incumbent is one of those so-called progressives and her lack of focus on the issues that matter most has inspired me to throw my hat in the ring.

I have years of public service and personal experiences — some good and some very bad — that have given me a love for my hometown and state. I know I can represent this district honorably and look forward to meeting voters and asking for their support."

Doug Gablinske