Chafee announces candidacy for governor

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Former senator Lincoln Chafee is officially throwing his hat into the ring for the 2010 gubernatorial election. His web site, chafeeforgovernor.com, says he is running as an independent candidate, and Tuesday night, he told a national television audience on the "Rachel Maddow Show" he will make a run for the office.

Just last week, Chafee was still remaining tight-lipped about a run for governor, and had formed an exploratory committee to raise money.

"The time is ripe not only for new leadership but for a government that works for everyone," said Chafee in a statement on his website home page. "I firmly believe in the vital importance of governing from the center -- of listening to all sides of an issue."

Other possible candidates for governor include Democrats Frank Caprio, the current state treasurer, Attorney General Patrick Lynch, and lieutenant governor Elizabeth Roberts. Republican state representative Joe Trillo is also considering a run.