Lincoln Chafee Considers Challenge Against Rhode Island Dem Gov Gina Raimondo

On top of her stalling education agenda, the complete disaster with Rhode Island’s UHIP benefit system, and a month of lousy job numbers despite attempts by her staff to fudge the stats, things are getting even worse for failed governor Gina Raimondo. Now her predecessor, former Democrat presidential candidate Lincoln Chafee, is considering challenging her in 2018, a move that could cost much needed votes for her reelection.

WPRI-TV reports:

“The former Republican U.S. senator and Democratic governor says he’s a long way from making a decision on whether to pursue a comeback bid, but he’s keeping the option open.

“It’s early, and I don’t have any further comment other than that,” Chafee told Eyewitness News during a short phone interview Monday, amid growing chatter about his plans. “Never say never,” he added.

A 2018 gubernatorial bid would pit Chafee, 64, against incumbent Democrat Gina Raimondo, who had a famously cold relationship with him despite their collaboration on the landmark 2011 pension overhaul. Chafee declined to seek re-election in 2014 after facing low approval ratings throughout his time in office, and endorsed Clay Pell, one of Raimondo’s primary opponents.”

While Chafee has yet to confirm whether he’d challenge Raimondo for the Democrat nomination or run as an independent as he did in 2010, Chafee might not be the only trouble for Raimondo from her own party. Democrat Attorney General Peter Kilmartin has openly flirted with a primary challenge against the governor. As outside groups continue to rush to Raimondo’s aid with ad buys to prop up her failing administration, her problems appear to have no end in sight.