Chafee changes parties again.. (sales, home, sales tax)

[Raiderman]

3 parties in 6 years. I was very surprised that he was a Republican to begin with, but does anyone think it was a good idea for him to change from Independent to Democrat? To me, it seems to compound his "wishy-washy" reputation. Thoughts?

[Rnrboy]

I tend to think that it weakens him in the Primary against Taveras and Raimondo. My guess is their share of the vote will be so large that he won't get the "Divide And Conquer" affect that he still could have hoped for in a General Election with at least three other viable candidates.

That said, maybe RI voters (this being a solid blue state) will see him more positively now. But I somehow doubt it.

[HopeStreet]

Gov. Chaffee is in a damned if you do, damned if you don't scenario. On one hand, this move comes across as political opportunism which could be met with some cynicism. However, his political views are in line with the Democratic Party socially. Plus, while running in a primary against 2 popular politicians could be risky, competing against them head to head must be seen as a more favorable strategy than waiting until the general election. Whereas in a general election he would be sitting on the sidelines while Raimondo and Taveras took political shots at him, competing in the primary allows him to fire back, so to speak.

OT - I am very surprised that he is viewed so unfavorably. I don't agree with him on every issue. However, the financial outlook for the state is better than in recent times. The budget has been balanced each year. Also, he oversaw the passage of 2 important pieces of legislation that had popular support: Marriage equality and pension reform. Yes, he is not the most charismatic or politically savvy person. However, in a way, it is refreshing that he seems to be more focused on governing and enacting policy that may benefit the state rather than making decisions based on how he would politically. Maybe it's naive to think that the later quality is less important.

[Hollytree]

Originally Posted by HopeStreet

OT - I am very surprised that he is viewed so unfavorably. I don't agree with him on every issue. However, the financial outlook for the state is better than in recent times. The budget has been balanced each year. Also, he oversaw the passage of 2 important pieces of legislation that had popular support: Marriage equality and pension reform. Yes, he is not the most charismatic or politically savvy person. However, in a way, it is refreshing that he seems to be more focused on governing and enacting policy that may benefit the state rather than making decisions based on how he would politically. Maybe it's naive to think that the later quality is less important.

Rhode Island law says the state budget cannot spend more money that Rhode
Island will earn. This means it must be “balanced”. A budget deficit is not allowed. problem is, Chafee has balanced the budget by raising taxes.

[ocngypz]

Originally Posted by Hollytree

Rhode Island law says the state budget cannot spend more money that Rhode
Island will earn. This means it must be “balanced”. A budget deficit is not allowed. problem is, Chafee has balanced the budget by raising taxes.

Wouldn't surprise me to see a shortfall in anticipated sales tax revenue. After all, we have the two shopping meccas: S Attleboro and Seekonk.. right over the state line.

The last election, IMHO, was an anomaly. 4 candidates.. IND, REP, DEM and MOD. Of note, if those who voted Moderate (can't remember his name) but he garnered over 6% of the popular vote. If that vote had gone Republican.......then Chafee wouldn't have been elected. Would have been a Republican victory by 3%.

Of note, Caprio (DEM) only carried his home turf.

[Snowball7]

I predicted this a long time ago..
and he will win. This state is so predictable.

[mr2448]

Originally Posted by Raiderman

3 parties in 6 years. I was very surprised that he was a Republican to begin with, but does anyone think it was a good idea for him to change from Independent to Democrat? To me, it seems to compound his "wishy-washy" reputation. Thoughts?

no that is two parties. He was voted in as an independent or a non party member. We independents are not organized by any means.

[AlfieBoy]

Originally Posted by mr2448

We independents are not organized by any means.

Nor are we Democrats.

[Raiderman]

Originally Posted by mr2448

no that is two parties. He was voted in as an independent or a non party member. We independents are not organized by any means.

He CHANGED parties 2 times. I am correct, however, that he has been a member of 3 parties in 6 years. He started as a Republican, then became an Independent, and then a Democrat. That would be 3.

[wxjay]

Didn't Chafee state in an interview that one reason for switching was because of fundraising and having access to the DNC? That seems weak to me. If he was an effective governor, people would vote for him for his accomplishments and he would consequently be able to raise the funds needed for campaigning.