By Dee DeQuattro, WPRO
Dee DeQuattro covers news and politics for 630wpro.com for more political commentary see her "Digging Deeper" blog. Follow her on twitter @DeeDeQuattro
Governor Lincoln Chafee tried to quash the rumor that he would accept a job with the Obama administration in the president’s next term but I still suspect it’s a real possibility and here is why:
1. Chafee has not actually said yes I am running for re-election instead he says: “I’m out raising money.” In a recent interview my colleague Steve Klamkin said, “So you are definitely running for re-election?” and Chafee responded “I’m out raising money.” Okay, that may be the case but that doesn’t mean that future plans, *AHEM: an Obama job, is 100% out. It just means he is raising money for his campaign account.
2. Stephen Hourahan is out. Does anyone find this odd, that long time Chafee family friend and aide, Stephen Hourahan wants to leave his cushy government job to return to Family Services? While Family Services is a great organization, something tells me there is more to this decision. Perhaps, that Chafee himself may be leaving the Governor’s office? It’s a real possibility. There is also speculation that Hourahan is leaving after the Caleb Chafee drinking party debacle but to me it seems less likely.
3. Chafee’s recent comments about considering affiliating as a Democrat. He notes he feels comfortable among Democrats. Wouldn’t it make sense for the Governor to become a Democrat if he accepts a job in the Obama administration? I bet Chafee would feel comfortable in the Obama Administration. Maybe it is not he will run for Governor as a Democrat but rather he will become a Democrat and take an “Obama job.”
Those recent events lead me to believe that yes, Chafee is still on the short list for an “Obama job.” Now which job, well word is Arne Duncan, Education Secretary will be leaving soon. Also Chafee has always been a champion of the train stations in Rhode Island so maybe a position in the federal transportation administration?
Let’s not forget that Chafee is friends with the president, Chafee recently spoke at the Democratic National Convention, Chafee was one of 35 national co-chairs for the Obama campaign, and Chafee’s approval rating in Rhode Island is not so hot to say the least. An “Obama job” would be a politically expedient way out of a struggling state and a tough re-election bid.
It’s all speculation but the recent comments of the governor make the scenario seem likely but who knows Chafee’s comments and actions could just be “Chafee being Chafee.”
