Governor Lincoln Chafee at Warwick City Hall. Photo by Steve Klamkin, WPRO News
By Kim Kalunian and Steve Klamkin, WPRO News
Independent Governor Lincoln Chafee officially changed his party affiliation Thursday at Warwick City Hall, citing President Obama as a “big reason” for his switch.
“It feels very good to be back at my roots here,” said Chafee, who served as a councilman in Warwick, as well as Mayor from 1992 to 1999.
Surrounded by photographers, Chafee signed his affiliation change paperwork to join the Democratic Party. Chafee was previously a Republican, but dropped from the party to become an independent in 2007.
Chafee was the only independent Governor in the U.S., but is now the first Democratic Rhode Island Governor since Bruce Sundlun, who held the office from 1991-1994.
A spokesman for Chafee, Christian Vareika, said the Governor took time contemplating the decision, which is based on “principle, not politics.”
“Elections will take care of themselves,” said Chafee, saying his job is to provide the best services at the lowest cost possible.
When asked how the switch will affect him in the Democratic primary next year, Chafee said the people will have to figure that out.
“You’re going to have to do all the guessing you can about how this is going to work out,” Chafee told the press. “I know that if I do my job, the people will reward me with success in elections.”
Chafee will likely face fellow democrats General Treasurer Gina Raimondo and Providence Mayor Angel Taveras in a 2014 gubernatorial primary. Moderate Ken Block will also run, and Republican Cranston Mayor Allan Fung is also anticipated to declare.
Chafee said his late father,GOP Senator and Governor John Chafee — as well as President Abraham Lincoln — would be standing by his side “patting him on the back.”
He said a formal announcement of his re-election campaign is forthcoming.
In response to Chafee’s switch, just minutes after 11 a.m., an email paid for by the Democratic National Committee was sent out to those on President Barack Obama’s mailing list. It reads as follows:
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, like creating good jobs that pay good wages.
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 future.
Join me in welcoming Governor Chafee to the Democratic Party:
Thanks,
Barack
The email also included a link that allows people to add their name to a “welcome” list for Chafee.
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