R.I. Gov. Chafee will not seek re-election

[Freddie Stubbs]

Source: The Providence Journal

CRANSTON, R.I. - In a move that dramatically shakes up Rhode Island's political world, Gov. Lincoln Chafee announced Tuesday outside the state Department of Motor Vehicles that he will not seek re-election next year.

The announcement, at a hastily called 2 p.m. news conference, opens the door for a number of prominent politicians who have been eyeing the governor's office.

Two popular and well-funded Democrats -- state General Treasurer Gina Raimondo and Providence Mayor Angel Taveras -- have said they are considering a run. So too has Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, a Republican.

First elected in 2010, the governor has not given any indication that he would not seek another four-year term.

Read more: http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20130904-r.i.-gov.-chafee-will-not-seek-re-election.ece

[Earth495]

1. Taveras 2014

Raimondo better not win the primary. She defines the typical RI DINO.

[ck4829]

2. One of the last sane Republicans (if he considers himself having an R card), I wish him the best

[Robbins]

3. But he's not republican anymore

In 2007 he became independent and earlier this year became a democrat.

He endorsed Obama as independent both times.

He was only republican In senate to vote against going to war In Iraq

while he opposed fillerbuster he actully voted against confirming alito to SC.

[cyclezealot]

8. His sanity should be rewarded.

Remember he spoke at the last Democratic National Convention. He should be rewarded for his sanity with a Federal Appointment by Obama.

[Arkana]

4. It's really a shame. Chafee's a genuinely good guy.

[elleng]

5. 'But the governor said

he found the "irrational negativity" that came with running a state that has had among the highest unemployment rates in the nation in the years following the 2008 recession discouraging.

"It was worse than I anticipated," Chafee said, pointing to political controversies ranging from his stances on illegal immigration to what to name the State House Christmas tree. . .

But the governor, who just months ago became a Democrat, said he would support the Democratic Party candidate, whomever that may be.

The 60 year old Warwick resident also did not rule out a future run for political office, either: "I'm still a young kid."'

[Marrah_G]

6. It's a shame, I have always liked him.

[ninjanurse]

7. Better governor than politician

I saw him a couple of weeks ago when he visited my workplace. I noticed that he looked much better than he did during his last campaign. Relaxed and healthy. He was a quietly effective governor, and I think we will appreciate him more as the years go by. He inherited the recession-- not helped by previous Governor Carcieri, and the 38 Studios mess that Carcieri left us to fix.
Our challenge now is to elect a good governor. I'm leaning to Angel Taveras, but he'll have to either win the 'burbs or get the city folk to the polls.

[Dawson Leery]

9. Sorry to hear this.

Maybe the other democrats running will have an easier time being elected.