Statement from Governor Chafee Relating to the Passing of Legendary Vermont Senator James Jeffords

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee today said: “On Behalf of the State of Rhode Island, I join the nation, along with Vermont, in mourning the loss of Jim Jeffords. Jim Jeffords made history in the spring of 2001 with his bold move out of the Republication Party. He will be remembered for sending a message to the rest of the country that he was not going to put partisan politics before his work in Washington, D.C. Throughout his distinguished and lengthy career, Jim cared deeply about our environment. He displayed fiscal common sense, and he developed government programs that build a strong middle class. He was also one of the 23 senators to have the courage and foresight to vote against the Iraq War Resolution. He was revered by all who knew him.”