Chafee denied request to speak to EDC

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri has denied Lincoln Chafee's request to speak out against the deal to give a $75 million loan to Curt Schilling's video game company.

The gubernatorial candidate, who's running as an independent, wanted to tell the state Economic Development Corporation why he's opposed to the deal at a meeting next week.

• In-Depth: The Curt Schilling Deal

The EDC granted the loan guarantee to Schilling's 38 Studios LLC to move the business from Massachusetts to Rhode Island.

In a letter to Chafee , Carcieri denied the former Senator's request, saying "It is inappropriate for EDC to become engaged in this political campaign."

• Read the governor's letter

Carcieri also defended the board's decision.

"As chairman of the Board, I can assure you that the decision to extend the loan guarantee was carefully considered over several months with extensive due diligence by the Board," the letter said.

Carcieri said the vote to move forward with the loan was virtually unanimous, with only on board member not in support.