President Barack Obama offered a warm welcome to the newest member of the Democratic Party Wednesday–Independent Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee, a former Republican senator who announced that he would be running for reelection in 2014 as a Democrat.
Obama’s statement on the party change-up:
“I’m delighted to hear that Governor Chafee is joining the Democratic Party. For nearly 30 years, Linc Chafee has served his beloved Rhode Island as an independent thinker and leader who’s unafraid to reach across party lines to get things done. I enjoyed working with Linc when he was a Republican in the United States Senate, and I look forward to continuing that collaboration on the issues that matter not just to the Democratic Party, but to every American. Creating good jobs that pay good wages. Access to health care that’s there for you when you get sick. An affordable college education even if you’re not rich. An economy that rewards hard work, no matter who you are, what you look like, or who you love. And above all, a fair shot to leave our kids a better life than we’ve known.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Linc to the party of Jefferson and Jackson, Roosevelt and Kennedy – and I look forward to working with him in the years ahead.”
