RI’s Gov. Chafee to Address Democratic Convention
Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee said Friday that he’ll use his prime-time speech at next week’s Democratic National Convention to urge former Republicans and independents, like him, why they should support President Barack Obama’s re-election.
Chafee is scheduled to deliver his remarks between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tuesday, the opening night of the convention in Charlotte, N.C. Chafee’s address will come shortly before a speech by first lady Michelle Obama.
His appearance — along with that of another former Republican, ex-Florida governor Charlie Crist — is intended to appeal to independents and undecided voters. Chafee said he was happy to be asked to participate.
”I’m going to talk about the people like me — former Republicans, independents — about the importance of this election, and that we need to support President Obama,” he said. ”I want to talk to them, across the country. I think I have a good message.”
Chafee called Obama a ”friend to Rhode Island.” He said Republican Mitt Romney represents the same ideology that caused him to leave the GOP in 2007.
Chafee is a co-chairman of Obama’s re-election campaign. He served in the U.S. Senate with Obama and supported his 2008 presidential run.