Democrat Mary Duffy Messier of Pawtucket has won the lottery to appear first on the ballot in the Dec. 29 special election to fill former state Rep. Betsy Dennigan's seat.

Republican Thomas Cluny of East Providence will appear second on the ballot followed by independent Paul Dinsmore of East Providence.  The lottery for ballot placement was conducted by Secretary of State Ralph Mollis.

The special election is necessary because Dennigan resigned the District 62 seat on Oct. 1 to run against U.S. Rep. James Langevin for the Democratic nomination for 2nd District U.S. Representative.  District 62 comprises parts of Pawtucket and East Providence along the eastern bank of the Seekonk River.