Feb 14, 2008 10:59 am US/Central
Obama Picks Up Fmr. Republican's Endorsement
Once Republican, Now Independent, Former Senator From Rhode Island Lincoln Chafee Endorses Democratic Candidate
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) ―
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Republican Sen. Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island
AP
Former Republican Sen. Lincoln Chafee endorsed Democratic Sen. Barack Obama on Thursday, saying he is the best presidential candidate to restore the nation's credibility.
In a conference call with reporters, Chafee announced his backing of the Illinois senator. Chafee, one of the more liberal Republicans in the Senate, lost his seat in 2006 to Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse. Chafee left the GOP last year and became an independent.
"I believe Senator Obama is the best candidate to restore American credibility, to restore our confidence to be moral and just, and to bring people together to solve the complex issues such as the economy, the environment and global stability," Chafee said.
Despite losing, he remains popular in the Ocean State and his approval ratings on election day were 63 percent.
Rhode Island holds its primary March 4.
In an odd bit of timing, Chafee announced his endorsement on the same day likely Republican nominee Sen. John McCain was campaigning in the state. The last time McCain visited Rhode Island was to campaign for Chafee in his re-election bid.
Asked about the divided loyalties, Chafee said, "I was running in 2006 as a Republican. ... And in fact Senator Obama came to Rhode Island twice to campaign for my opponent. ... That's just the way the system works and I'm sure Senator McCain will understand."
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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