Democrat attacks Chafee’s tax plan in new TV ad; 1st major TV attack ad in RI governor’s race

Dem attacks Chafee’s tax plan in new RI gov TV ad

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Democratic candidate for Rhode Island governor is going after independent Lincoln Chafee (CHAY’-fee) in the first major TV attack ad in the race.

The 30-second ad by Frank Caprio began airing this week on the state’s broadcast stations. The Caprio campaign refuses to say how much it spent, although according to information compiled by the Chafee campaign, the cost was $95,000.

The ad goes after Chafee’s proposal to levy a 1 percent sales tax on items that are currently exempt, such as groceries and prescription drugs. It says Chafee’s idea “hits those who can least afford it the hardest.”

Chafee says his tax plan would help avoid further property-tax hikes. Chafee spokesman Mike Trainor says the ad doesn’t “advance the public conversation.”

Caprio has produced one other TV ad in the race. It ran last year, and then began airing again last month.