NEW: Chafee Announces 2016 Exploratory Presidential Bid
Thursday, April 09, 2015
Former Governor of Rhode Island Lincoln Chafee has announced that he is considering a run for President of the United States as a Democrat.
In a campaign video, he states that the country is in need of “fresh ideas and skilled diplomacy.”
SEE THE VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENT BELOW.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe campaign priorities outlined on his website include “a strong middle class, environmental stewardship, protection of personal liberties, and aversion to foreign entanglements."
“In a world of nuclear weapons, the United States must make international decisions with brains and not biceps,” Chafee says.
A campaign website, Chafee2016.com, has been launched and includes a blog, video, and a link to donate to his campaign.
Chafee was elected Mayor of Warwick as a Republican in 1992, and held that position until he was appointed to the United States Senate in 1999 to fill the remainder of the term of his father, John Chafee, who died in office.
Chafee won reelection in 2000, and was a vocai critic of President and fellow Republican George W. Bush, and was the only Republican in the Senate to have voted against authorization of the use of force in Iraq.
He was defeated in the 2006 race for Senate by Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse.
In 2010, Chafee announced his intentions to run for Governor of Rhode Island as an independent, and won a 3 way race with 36% of the vote.
In 2013, Chafee became a member of the Democratic party, and did not seek reelection to the office of Governor in 2014.
