Gov. Chafee to run for re-election as a Democrat
Dee DeQuattro
Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee will become a Democrat for his bid for re-election.
The Associated Press is reporting that the former Republican turned independent will change his party registration before the 2014 election.
Governor Chafee told the Block Island Times that he will hold a news conference at 10 a.m. on Thursday to make an official announcement
Chafee told the Associated Press that he has been considering the switch for a while. He said he has a lot in common with the Democratic Party and that the party will help with his fundraising efforts.
In 2012 President Barack Obama invited Chafee to speak at the Democratic National Convention. At a press brieifng on Wednesday Jay Carney the Whitehouse spokesperson welcomed Chafee to the Democratic Party. Later in the day, President Barack Obama personally welcomed his former collegue to the party.
“I'm delighted to hear that Governor Chafee is joining the Democratic Party. For nearly 30 years, Linc Chafee has served his beloved Rhode Island as an independent thinker and leader who's unafraid to reach across party lines to get things done. I enjoyed working with Linc when he was a Republican in the United States Senate, and I look forward to continuing that collaboration on the issues that matter not just to the Democratic Party, but to every American. Creating good jobs that pay good wages,” said Obama in a Statement. “Access to health care that's there for you when you get sick. An affordable college education even if you're not rich. An economy that rewards hard work, no matter who you are, what you look like, or who you love. And above all, a fair shot to leave our kids a better life than we've known. I'm thrilled to welcome Linc to the party of Jefferson and Jackson, Roosevelt and Kennedy and I look forward to working with him in the years ahead.”
Other likely Democratic candidates include General Treasurer Gina Raimondo and Providence Mayor Angel Taveras.
Moderate Party Chairman Ken Block will also vie for the office as a Moderate.
Taveras said that even if Chafee becomes a Democrat it will not affect whether or not he will run for Governor.
ABC6 Political Analyst Buddy Cianci said the move is definitely a “game changer” noting that Chafee is popular among the gay community and unions, which would certainly provide him an edge in a primary.
Republican Party Chairman Mark Smiley says the news is no surprise. “He has always been a tax and spend liberal and now he has found a home,” said Smiley.
“He is trying to save his own job but what he should be doing is saving Rhode Island jobs,” said Smiley, noting Rhode Island's high unemployment rate.
(C) WLNE-TV 2013
