Chafee Announces Media Team

Lincoln Chafee has tapped Rhode Island native Tad Devine, a national political strategist, and his partner Julian Mulvey for his all-but-official independent bid for governor. The selection of Devine, who worked on the presidential campaigns of Al Gore and John Kerry, highlights Chafee's leftward drift since he bolted the Republican Party. From Chafee's press release:

October 1, 2009 (Pawtucket, RI) - Former Senator Lincoln D. Chafee, who is considering a run for governor in 2010, announced today that he has contracted with Devine Mulvey, a highly regarded media and communications firm with extensive experience in helping clients win campaigns in the United States, including Rhode Island.

The firm’s partners, Tad Devine and Julian Mulvey, have produced media for 17 winning U.S. Senate races and in dozens of winning races, for Democratic and independent candidates, for the U.S. House and state and local elected officials. Their firm helps campaigns shape a clear message, and then communicates it to voters through TV, print and the web.

Chafee said, “Devine Mulvey has a successful record of winning elections. I look forward to working with Tad and Julian to help communicate my vision of a prosperous Rhode Island economy, a sound and honest budget process and a healthy partnership between state government and our cities and towns. My campaign will benefit from Tad Devine’s first class reputation and his creative communication skills. He will bring to our campaign a wealth of political experience, and a local touch, as he too, is a native Rhode Islander.”

Devine added “I am proud to work for Sen. Chafee in a campaign for Governor of Rhode Island. Linc Chafee has the integrity and experience that Rhode Island needs at this critical juncture its history. He understands how to lead Rhode Island forward, and his experience as Mayor in Warwick, and in the United States Senate has uniquely prepared him to assume the responsibilities of Governor.”

Lincoln Chafee announced the formation of his Exploratory Campaign for Governor, last April. The signing of Devine Mulvey further solidifies his intent, and ability to attract “Best in Class” talent of all political backgrounds that will be the hallmark of an independent Chafee Administration.