Former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee on Thursday announced he is considering running for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination.
The 62-year-old, who served as a Republican senator before winning the governor's office as an independent, said he is alarmed about global turmoil in Africa and the Middle East.
"Americans want safety, stability and sustainability. We will need fresh ideas and the most skillful diplomacy in dealing with this ever-changing world," he said in an introductory video posted to his website, Chafee2016.com. "Throughout my career, as mayor, governor, and U.S. senator, I exercised good judgment on a wide range of high-pressure decisions, decisions that require level-headedness and careful foresight."
In the Senate, Chafee was the only Republican to vote against the authorization for the use of military force in Iraq, a distinction he does not share with presumptive Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton, who voted for the war. Other presumptive challengers in the Democratic primary include former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and former U.S. Sen. Jim Webb (Va.).
"During the next weeks and months, I look forward to sharing my thoughts about the future of our great country," Chafee said.
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