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"Despite the recent capture of Saddam Hussein near Tikrit, I still believe that President Bush's decision to go to war in Iraq was unfounded and wrong. And I decided that I couldn't remain true to myself, while opposing the President on so many issues, and not challenging those issues. Therefore, I hereby declare myself a candidate in the Republican nomination process for the Presidency of the United States. I have no illusions about getting on the ballots, and so I urge any Republican or Independent voting in the Republican primary seeking to voice his or her discontent with the war in Iraq to write in my name. Thank you, and God bless America."

- Senator Lincoln Chafee during a press conference in Providence, RI, December 15, 2003



"Chafee's challenging me? Now? God, I can't believe what he's thinking."
"Don't worry, George. Write-ins have to be fucking Eisenhower if they want to win. He won't make a dent, not even in New Hampshire."
"Look, Dick, he's been a nightmare in the Senate since I was elected. He's the biggest rhino I've ever seen, and I've been to zoos. Still, he's got to have some party loyalty left from John. Get me Linc on the phone. If I'm to become the Republican Jimmy Carter, Lincoln fucking Chafee should not be the Ted Kennedy."

- Conversation between President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, December 15, 2003

"He's a decent chap and he's right on Iraq, but I'm sorry, there's only one choice for getting us out of Iraq, Lincoln, and that's a Democratic administration. I'm afraid the people know that, and in New Hampshire, they'll go for the Democratic primary."

- Interview by ABC News with Governor Howard Dean, December 16, 2003

Who would you vote for in the Republican primary if it was held in your state today?
- President George W. Bush: 86%
- Senator Lincoln Chafee: 5%
- Other/Undecided: 9%

- Rasmussen poll published on December 17, 2003
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