Robtaille won't run for gov in 2014

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- The man who came within two percentage points of Gov. Lincoln Chafee in the 2010 gubernatorial race won't be running for the office in 2014.

John Robitaille made the announcement on his Facebook page Wednesday morning, citing the outcome of the 2012 election as one of his reasons.

"Among other things, the fact that the voters of this state chose not elect some very good and well-funded Republicans who could have made a difference by restoring sound fiscal policies and changing the status quo. The voters also approved every bond issue and added more debt to our state," Robitaille wrote. "While the pundits, the media and political consultants say that Republicans must change in order to win, I will not change who I am nor what I believe in to win an election."

Robitaille ran on the GOP gubernatorial ticket in 2010. He garnered 34-percent of the vote, just two points shy of the 36 percent Chafee received.

Full Statement:

After careful consideration and a thoughtful analysis of the outcome of this past election, I've decided not to run again for Governor of RI in 2014. Among other things, the fact that the voters of this state chose not elect some very good and well-funded Republicans who could have made a difference by restoring sound fiscal policies and changing the status quo. The voters also approved every bond issue and added more debt to our state.

While the pundits, the media and political consultants say that Republicans must change in order to win, I will not change who I am nor what I believe in to win an election.

For example, during the 2010 campaign I said repeatedly that RI does not have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. We must look seriously at every program and every dollar spent to ensure the precious tax dollars we have are being spent wisely and effectively. Evidently this message does not resonate here in RI.

RI is one of the most Democratic states in the country. 90% of the General Assembly, all of the Congressional Deligation and all of the General Officers are Democrats (including our Governor who for all intents and purposes is a Democrat.) It is clear that the voters of this state prefer a large and costly government and will continue to re-elect the same career politicians who have created this problem.

I will stay engaged and use my energies to encourage young people to become more self-reliant and innovative in an attempt to rekindle the spirit of self-reliance and entrepreneurship upon which this great country was built.

My most sincere thanks to all of my friends and supporters. I appreciate everything you have done "for the cause."