Reformed Republican Senator and former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee will announce his intent to run for President of the United States today at George Mason University in Arlington, Va.
The former senator has been adamant as of late about his intentions to challenge Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders for the nomination. His campaign is being called a “long-shot,” which may be the case considering Clinton’s near-assurance?in securing the nomination and Sanders’ popularity.
Lincoln Chafee is no scrub, however, and his positions on certain matters are popular with the voter base.
- Lincoln Chafee has a “pro-choice” voting record and a 90 percent rating from NARAL.
- Like his father, Chafee believes in firearms regulation. So much, in fact that he has received an “F” rating from both the National Rifle Association and Gun Owners of America.
- Chafee has indicated he does not agree with capital punishment.
- Chafee has indicated he is open to the idea of legalizing the recreational use of marijuana.
- The League of Conservation Voters has given Chafee a 78% rating.
- Lincoln Chafee supports same-sex marriage.
- Chafee opposed the Bush tax cuts.
Lincoln Chafee has challenged Hillary Clinton directly, specifically criticizing her support for the Iraq War. While Clinton has regrets supporting the resolution, Chafee was the only Senate Republican to vote against it. He plans to make Clinton’s support of the resolution a focal point of his campaign. From CNN:
“Considering the premise for invading Iraq was based on falsehoods and considering the ramifications we live with now from that mistake, I would argue that anybody who voted for the Iraq War should not be president and certainly should not be leading the Democratic Party,” he said.
Lincoln Chafee was also the only Senate Republican to vote against the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito.
