Republican-turned-Independent-turned Democratic Governor of Rhode Island Lincoln Chafee has decided not to run for reelection in 2014. How could he, since he remains the most unpopular governor in the country because of a bare 36% of the vote? Unlike the fiery Governor of Maine, Paul LePage, Chafee never stood on principle, but made partners with everyone who promoted his reelection chances. (He resisted my suggestion to marry Speaker Gordon Fox. Then again, marriage is based on trust. With Chafee, there is none.)
Chafee, who was voted #1 RINO by Human Events in 2005, remains the only real RINO who was a gore on the National GOP. There was nothing principled or pragmatic about this politician, as Senator or Governor.
Here are some of Gov. Lincoln Chafee’s most notorious (hardly noteworthy) comments:
“The lack of fiscal responsibility is one of the main reasons I finally left my old Party.”
And Governor Chafee’s record on fiscal responsibility in Rhode Island is. . .unpaid pension liabilities, bankrupted cities, retired police officers and firefighters taking second jobs just to get by. Let’s not forget the high taxes which create the flight of businesses. The Superman Building is not so super anymore (not even Lois Lane works there anymore). Pools are closing in Providence, and even Pa has moved out of Pawtucket. School bureaucrats take the money, and anyone who makes money makes out of Rhode Island.
Chafee often trumpets his support for public education:
“Should only children of the wealthy have access to quality early education? Should only children of the wealthy have access to a college degree? The answer – the only answer – is: no.”
Should Rhode Island public school officials take in six figure salaries while students cannot add or subtract? Should unions push all the levers while students shuffle into unemployment? Has Chafee made education access and quality better for all Rhode Islanders. The answer is – no!
How about this one from “Governor Grinch”:
“And the previous governor called it a holiday's tree. That was the tradition.”
In this 2012 exchange, Chafee was attempting to justify his hollow political correctness about the Christmas Tree in the statehouse. He should have read the First Amendment (which does not demand freedom from religion, but forbids an imposed state religion), then read between the lines of the reporters comments. “Governor Grinch” tried to steal Christmas away from Rhode Islanders (but he came bearing gifts for special interests). Ho! Ho! Ho!
As US Senator, Chafee was assessing George W. Bush’s win against John Kerry:
“Well, usually when you talk about a mandate, you're talking about an overwhelming win. I don't think by any measurement the 2004 election was an overwhelming win.”
Even then, he was also calculating whether to switch parties. For the pork and the power of sitting with the majority, Chafee continued to chafe his Republican peers in the Senate.
While he debunked the 50% Bush win in 2004, what did Chafee think of his 36% plurality tally in 2010? He shared the following after winning the Governor’s race:
“This election was about the honesty to say how we are going to pay for a civil society and a public education system. You have given me your vote, and I have given you my word. I will always be honest with you.”
Chafee was taking a play about of the George Herbert Walker Bush handbook: “Read My Lips.” After three years, voters have read his record, and they are reading his last rites (Rev. Tobin, think about it! “Gov. Tobin. You can trust me. I swear!”)
Chafee also shared in his acceptance speech:
“Rhode Island has elected its first Independent Governor . . .Roger Williams would be proud. . .”
Roger Williams founded his colony on religious toleration and rebellious independence. Rhode Islanders rejected the Crown’s authority, and they resisted the United States Constitution until the end. Check and check again, Mr. Chafee. Today, Rhode Island has become an intolerant state where the General Assembly rewrites the tradition of marriage, where the elected executive takes the Christmas out of Christmas trees, where dependence on the state has taken precedence, where public sector unions serve their private, perverse interests, and where taxes, spending, regulations, and frustration reign supreme. Has King George returned to Providence?
Roger Williams would be proud no longer to be in Rhode Island (and he would be a Republican!) He would probably be proud that Chafee is not running for reelection, too.
And now for the last, the least, and the most laughable quote from Gov. Chafee:
“Trust is built with consistency.”
When RINO, INNO, DINO Chafee shovels it, he uses both hands. Please. Stop laughing!
Chafee won’t run for reelection. Another Hallelujah, Rhode Islanders! Maybe Bishop Tobin should make another “Hail Mary!” and run on the Republican ticket. As the leader of the Diocese of Providence, Tobin has balanced budgets and resisted political attacks without caving into the crowd or fleecing the flock.
Then again, why should he forsake holy orders for the unholy alliance of politics and religion?
May Chafee (and his future political chances) rest in peace.