It appears that some RI Democrats recently received an interesting email from the wife of Senator Lincoln Chafee (R-RI) requesting that they change their party affiliation in order to vote for her husband in the upcoming Republican primary.
http://www.anchorrising.com/ Chafee is currently in a battle with Steve Laffey, mayor of Cranston, RI. Chafee has had a significant lead over Laffey, but this move has a rather desperate quality about it.
The irony here is that Senator Chafee has the gall to ask Democrats to do something he just can't bring himself to do: Change party affiliation. Seems pretty hypocritical to me.
Here's a copy of Mrs. Chafee's letter:
Dear Friend,
This is an important election for Rhode Island's future. My husband, Linc Chafee, is engaged in the fight of his political life. His commitment to honest, independent leadership has put him under attack from extremist on both sides of the ideological divide.
I believe that you agree with me that Linc's centrist views are good for Rhode Island. They allow him to work with colleagues in a bipartisan manner to ensure that our state receives its fair share of federal funding, to expand access to healthcare and education, and to safeguard our beautiful forests and coastlines for this and future generations.
Linc has stood up for Rhode Island time and again. In a contentious atmosphere, he has stood firm by refusing to engage in partisan politics. Now it's time for all of us who want more independent minded thinkers in Washington to show our support for Linc. If you are a registered Democrat, I am strongly encouraging you to disaffiliate and to become an unaffiliated voter.
If you support my husband, it is absolutely imperative that you vote for him in both the September 12th primary and in the general election on November 7th. But to be eligible to vote for him in the Republican primary you must be registered as either an unaffiliated or a Republican voter. I want to urge you to please check your affiliation and consider voting in the September primary. If you are a registered Democrat you must disaffiliate by June 14th in order to vote in Linc's September primary.
Changing your affiliation is easy. I have enclosed a copy of a voter registration card, which will allow you to disaffiliate. This form can also be found on the board of elections website at www.elections.ri.gov and is available at your local board of canvassers located at your Town or City Hall. Enclosed, please find a listing of five easy steps to guide you through the disaffiliation process. For more information on voter registration call the campaign at (401) 921-1920 and ask for Brent Lang or email him at blang@chafeeforsenate.com.
Thank you and I hope you will join me in supporting Linc in this upcoming election.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Chafee
P.S. If you need further information, please let us know. If you are planning to be out of state during the primary, please remember to get an absentee ballot. Above all, exercise what our forefathers fought for - the right to vote.
One conservative commenter mentioned that perhaps liberal Democrats might change party affiliation in order to vote for Chafee's opponent - likely ensuring a win for the likely Democratic candidate, Sheldon Whitehouse. Heh, but somehow I don't think Mr. Whitehouse's spouse will be writing any letter like this.