Former Rhode Island Governor ‘Considering’ 2016 Presidential Campaign
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Photo By Bill Clark/Roll Call/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) — Former Rhode Island Governor and Senator Lincoln Chafee announced on Thursday that he would explore a potential campaign for president in 2016.
On his website, Chafee posted a video announcement in which he says directly, “I am a Democrat considering a run for president of the United States.” He calls the 2016 election an important one for the country.
His website contains four main points, which could be pillars of a potential campaign — the middle class, environmental stewardship, protection of personal liberties and an aversion to foreign entanglements.
Chafee cites his record as having voted against the Bush-era tax cuts and the Iraq War in particular. “Only 23 of 100 U.S. Senators saw the folly of allowing Bush/Cheney to invade Iraq,” the website says. “I am very proud to be one of the 23.”
Chafee has been elected to office nine times since 1985 — serving as mayor of Warwick, Rhode Island, Governor of Rhode Island and Senator for Rhode Island.
A former Republican, Chafee won his seat as Governor of Rhode Island as an Independent and now considers himself a Democrat.
In his video announcement, Chafee discusses the current state of the country, saying that “I don’t like where this is going,” in regards to the “international instability — especially in the Middle East and North Africa.”
“Americans want safety, stability and sustainability,” Chafee notes.
“During the next weeks and months, I look forward to sharing with you my thoughts about the future of our great country,” he concludes.
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