Independent RI Gov. Turns to Public for Support

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee is finding that being independent of the major parties may resonate with voters, but it makes it more difficult to advance an agenda in the General Assembly.

Two of Chafee's priorities — gay marriage legislation and a sales tax expansion — appear dead in the Legislature. Rebuffed by lawmakers, Chafee is now taking his sales pitch to voters through a YouTube video and visits to chambers of commerce around the state.

The public relations blitz aims to build support for Chafee's sales tax plan. But it's also a campaign to stay relevant six months after winning election with just 36 percent of the vote in a four-way race.

Chafee insists he's not giving up on his tax proposal, though he's willing to compromise on the details.