According to a post on The Providence Journal's 7 to 7 Blog, Chafee's announcement speech included a call to "tax some items that are currently exempt from taxation - such as food, clothing and over-the-counter drugs."
"I think this is a further example of how Lincoln Chafee has lost touch with the average Rhode Islander, and quite frankly, with reality. We all recognize that our state is in a unique and perilous fiscal crisis, but raising taxes on medication and food is absolutely the wrong way to go.The very idea that he would include such an onerous and debilitating proposal in his campaign announcement is a good indication that he lacks the judgment, common sense and vision to be our next governor."
"Apparently Mr. Chafee has forgotten that, under a Republican governor, Rhode Island has one of the worst economies and highest unemployment rates in the country. It is difficult to understand how Linc Chafee can look at Rhode Island families who are already struggling to make ends meet, and tell them he wants to make it harder for them to put food on the table and medicine in the cabinet."
"No one in Rhode Island should have to pick between eating and paying for their medication. Only a millionaire like Lincoln Chafee could be so indifferent to how these tax hikes would hurt hard-working families all across this state."