Current Governor
Don Carcieri (R)
Summary
Rhode Island presents a strong opportunity for Democrats to pick up a governorship in a blue-leaning Northeastern state.
Recap
Republican Governor Don Carcieri, first elected in 2002 and reelected in 2006 by a slim margin, is term limited.
State of Play
- Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse was able to unseat Republican incumbent U.S. Senator Lincoln Chafee in 2006, winning 54 percent of the vote, compared to the 41 percent Democrat Robert Weygand won in 2000.
- Additionally, Barack Obama was able to improve upon Al Gore and John Kerry’s already strong performances to win the state with 63 percent of the vote, a 28-point margin over John McCain.
Lineup
- Democrat Frank Caprio, Treasurer
- Independent Lincoln Chafee, former Republican U.S. Senator
- Moderate Party Candidate, Ken Block
- Republican John Robitaille, businessman
