Candidates for RI gov to back gay union

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Three major candidates running for governor of Rhode Island are promising to sign a bill allowing gay marriage if elected.

General Treasurer Frank Caprio and Attorney General Patrick Lynch , both Democrats, and former Sen. Lincoln Chafee, who is running in November as an independent, will make the pledge at a Statehouse rally on Wednesday.

Moderate Party candidate Ken Block also supports gay marriage but cannot attend the rally organized by Marriage Equality Rhode Island . A spokeswoman for Block said the party's executive director will be there to represent him.

Rhode Island is the only New England state besides Maine that does not recognize same-sex marriage. Republican Gov. Don Carcieri, a social conservative, strongly opposes gay marriage. By law, he must leave office after finishing his second term.