Chafee R.I.’s first independent gov.; Dems win big

PROVIDENCE – Lincoln D. Chafee will become Rhode Island’s first independent governor after capturing 36.1 percent of the vote last week.
The former U.S. senator edged out late-surging Republican John F. Robitaille (33.6 percent) and Democrat Frank T. Caprio (23.0 percent). At one point consider the frontrunner for the office, Caprio seemed to lose momentum after President Barack Obama refused to endorse the fellow Democrat, who in turn told the president he could “shove it.”
Democrats won all of the statewide races except for the governor’s seat.
According to the unofficial results, Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline, Democratic candidate for 1st Congressional District, won the seat with 50.6 percent of the vote, while Republican John J. Loughlin II followed with 44.6 percent.
In 2nd Congressional District, Dem. James R. Langevin cruised to re-election with 59.9 percent of the vote. Mark S. Zaccaria, Republican, registered 31.8 percent.
Democratic Lt. Gov. Elizabeth H. Roberts won a second term with 54.5 percent of the vote. Independent Robert J. Healey Jr., who vowed to work to abolish the office if elected, saw support from 39.2 percent of voters.
In a tight race for secretary of state, A. Ralph Morris, a Democrat, edged out Republican Catherine Terry Taylor with 50.6 percent, compared with 49.4 percent.
Peter F. Kilmartin, Democrat, will be Rhode Island’s attorney general after claiming 43.1 percent of the vote.
Gina M. Raimondo, co-founder of venture capital firm Point Judith Capital, took the general-treasurer race with 62.1 percent of the vote. Her opponent, Kernan F. King, Republican, stood at 37.9 percent.
Democrats easily maintained control of the state legislature despite losing eight seats – four in each chamber. Republicans will hold 18 seats in the 113-seat General Assembly. &#8226