R.I. Gov. Lincoln Chafee announces retirement

PROVIDENCE, R.I., Sept. 4 (UPI) -- Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee announced Wednesday he will not seek a second gubernatorial term in 2014.

Chafee, who was elected as an independent in a three-way contest in 2010 and became a Democrat in May, was expected to face a difficult primary, Politico reported.

Two Democrats -- Providence Mayor Angel Taveras and state Treasurer Gina Raimando -- have been considering mounting primary challenges against Chafee.

The former Republican U.S. senator has been struggling with lackluster approval ratings, the report said.

Politico said Democrats are nearly certain to retain the statewide office.