Former Republican Sen. Lincoln Chafee Backs Obama

In a conference call with reporters this morning, Former Republican Sen. Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island endorsed Barack Obama.

``I believe Senator Obama is the best candidate to restore American credibility, to restore our confidence to be moral and just, and to bring people together to solve the complex issues such as the economy, the environment and global stability,'' he said.

Chafee's father also served in the Senate, and he remains popular in the state. He was one of the chamber's most moderate Republicans before losing a reelection bid in 2006, and became an independent last year.

Democratic Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, who defeated Chaffee last year, has endorsed Hillary Clinton.

Chaffee said he spoke to Obama on Tuesday to let the presidential hopeful know he had Chaffee's support.

"I said I'd do anything he wanted, and I was going to vote for him," Chaffee said.

Rhode Island voters go to the polls on March 4th.