Chafee victorious in RI gov race

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - After a tight campaign race - independent candidate Lincoln Chafee was elected Rhode Island's next governor Tuesday night, Eyewitness News political analyst Joe Fleming projected.

With all precincts reporting Tuesday night, Chafee had 36 percent of the vote - edging out Republican John Robitaille, who had 34 percent.

• Nesi's Notes: Economy will make or break Gov. Chafee
• Results: See breakdown by city/town

Chafee's acting campaign manager, Mike Trainor, says Robitaille, Democratic General Treasurer Frank Caprio and Moderate Party candidate Ken Block have called to concede.

Chafee said the state made history by electing its first independent governor.

"You've given me your vote and I will give you my word: I will always be honesst with you. I will always listen to you. And, I'll always do what I believe is best for Rhode Island," Chafee said during his acceptance speech at a hotel in Warwick, his hometown.

The candidates were vying to replace term-limited Republican Donald Carcieri.

Caprio, who once lead the field, lost ground after saying last week that President Barack Obama could "shove it" for not endorsing him. He finished the race in third place, which 23 percent of the vote.

Chafee is a former Republican U.S. senator who left the party in 2007, a year after losing re-election.