Lincoln Chafee (Getty)

Strongly Democratic Rhode Island also has a lot of unaffiliated voters, so a left-leaning independent candidate might have a shot at the governorship. At least that’s the theory that Lincoln Chafee is getting ready to test.

As first reported today by the Providence Journal , Chafee, a former Republican senator who was unseated in 2006 by Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse has formed an “exploratory campaign” for the race to succeed outgong Republican Gov. Donald L. Carcieri.  

According to a statement issued this morning, “Chafee will spend the next several months meeting with advisers and supporters putting together a plan that will lay the groundwork for an Independent campaign for governor in 2010.”