[7] In 1983 he began a PhD program at Columbia University, but after he had completed all the requirements, his dissertation supervisor died and he could not find a replacement.

[citation needed] In 1998, the Cool Moose Party successfully sued the state of Rhode Island to change its restrictive laws regarding primary elections.

[14] Shortly after he filed his candidacy, the Rhode Island GOP challenged the legality of the move on procedural grounds.

The state board of elections found that Healey was in fact eligible to replace Spooner on the ballot.

[15] Healey's only advertisement during the campaign was a minimalist billboard featuring a caricature of his face, which he painted himself on the side of his friend's house overlooking Interstate 95 in Providence.

A liquor wholesaling company that he founded with a partner was very successful and Healey sold out his stake and invested in land in South America.

[7] Healey was found dead in his bed at his home in Barrington, Rhode Island before midnight on March 20, 2016.

[19] Upon Healey's death, Rhode Island governor—and his 2014 gubernatorial opponent—Gina Raimondo issued a statement to the Providence Journal that she would "miss his passion and willingness to engage in spirited debate.