Lynch bows out, endorses Caprio

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Attorney General Patrick Lynch officially bowed out of the Rhode Island governor's race in an online announcement Thursday afternoon.

Lynch posted a video of the announcement on his campaign website shortly after 12:30 p.m.

Lynch was competing for the Democratic nomination against General Treasurer Frank Caprio , who he now is endorsing.

"With Rhode Island clinging to a late primary, a divisive, costly battle would most likely result in the wrong leadership at a pivotal moment in time for Rhode Islanders," Lynch said. "The push for unity begins today in the state of Rhode Island. I urge you to join me in support of Frank Caprio in his race for governor."

The deadline for candidates to file their nomination papers is Friday at 4 p.m.

Lynch's decision means Caprio will be able to avoid a bruising primary battle as he prepares to face independent Lincoln Chafee, who has the lead in most polls; either John Robitaille or Victor Moffitt for the Republicans; and Moderate Party candidate Ken Block.

In a statement released Thursday afternoon, Caprio thanked Lynch for his endorsement.

"I've been friends with Patrick for 30 years, and I know how much he cares about Rhode Island and his family," Caprio said. "He will have a bright future in whatever path he chooses. Now, it  is time to bring this state back."

A Rasmussen telephone poll last month found Lynch trailing both Chafee and Robitaille in a general election matchup, while Caprio was neck and neck with Chafee and ahead of Robitaille. Caprio also had a commanding fundraising lead over Lynch.

Lynch, 45, was first elected attorney general in 2002, succeeding now Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, and won a second term in 2006. Term limits bar him from running for a third term. He was a basketball star as a Brown University student, leading the team to the NCAA championship tournament.

Lynch said when his term as Attorney General is over, he looks forward to being able to spend more time with his children. He also said he would now turn his attention to the 1st Congressional District race, i n which his brother Bill Lynch is vying to replace U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy in Congress.

In June, the state party snubbed both Lynches by endorsing Caprio for governor and Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline for Congress.