Campaign Update - Chafee Calls Caprio a ‘Flip-Flopper’

Campaign Update - Chafee Calls Caprio a ‘Flip-Flopper’

Lincoln Chafee is calling Frank Caprio a "flip-flopper," saying his Democratic opponent for governor has changed his position on binding arbitration and other key issues.

In an interview with a public employee union, Caprio had expressed support for binding arbitration, but in a public forum last week, he said he opposed it.

“This speaks directly to the issues of integrity, honesty, and conviction,” said Chafee Campaign Manager, John Pagliarini. “Do we really know who Frank Caprio is or where he stands on any of the issues affecting Rhode Islanders? Frank Caprio is a 'buyer beware' candidate. How can anyone be certain that he won’t pull a classic ‘bait-and-switch’ on Rhode Island voters if elected?”

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Even Tried to Flip Parties?

The Chafee campaign also noted that Caprio had even tried to flip parties, citing widely circulated news reports that Caprio traveled to Washington in February to meet with the Republican National Committee and discuss running for governor as a Republican.

“Frank Caprio is a typical politician, taking whatever stance will help him get elected,” said Pagliarini. “Do we know which Frank Caprio will show up at the State House on Inauguration Day if elected?”

For the Curt Schilling deal ... before he was against it

The Chafee campaign also said Caprio had “embraced the 38 Studios deal … before he was against it.” A fourth alleged example of flip-flopping is the sales tax: the Chafee campaign said Caprio voted to make a temporary increase permanent, but now is criticizing Chafee for proposing an increase in the sales tax.

The Caprio campaign did not issue a response yesterday.