Jim Langevin has company

Jennifer L. Lawless will run against him in the primaries. She has a slight problem though. She'll have to move to run against him.

A Brown University assistant professor of political science and public policy announced yesterday that she is planning a Democratic primary challenge to U.S. Rep. James R. Langevin for the state's 2nd Congressional District seat.

But first, Jennifer L. Lawless will have to move.

Lawless, 30, whose studies focus on gender and politics, lives on Jenckes Street on Providence's East Side, in the state's 1st Congressional District, represented by U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy.

Reached yesterday on a break from teaching a class on women and politics, Lawless said her differences with Langevin -- particularly on the issue of abortion rights -- are spurring her into the race.

Dave has more on this at Third Avenue. Evidently, he has a problem with Langevin.