PROVIDENCE -- Three-time Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Myrth York endorsed U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee today, telling a horde of media gathered at an afternoon press conference that Chafee would be the first Republican she voted for in a federal election in 40 years.

The last one was former President Richard Nixon.

"I cannot imagine voting for any other Republican than Lincoln Chafee," she said today. "What I know is I want Lincoln Chafee in Washington for the next six years representing me...Senator Chafee brings a unique perspective on how to solve problems and work together."

York is the second political figure with strong ties to the Democratic Party to endorse Chafee in recent weeks. The first was former U.S. Attorney Margaret Curran, an appointee of former President Bill Clinton. Curran sat next to Chafee at a recent press conference similar to today's in the same downtown restaurant, Federal Reserve.

Chafee today echoed themes from one of his recent television advertisements, saying that voters like York face a "real conflict" in deciding between the candidate or the party when voting next Tuesday. Chafee's opponent, Sheldon Whitehouse, argues that Rhode Island must elect a Democratic senator to help shift the balance of power in Washington.

"In this political debate we've gotten away from character, and I think character is important," Chafee said.

York was asked whether her endorsement of Chafee might be attributed to "sour grapes" over the 2002 gubernatorial election, when she and Whitehouse were competitors. York won the primary, but lost the election to incumbent GOP Governor Carcieri.

"It has nothing to do with what happened four years ago," York said.

A Zogby International poll released today shows Chafee trailing his Democratic challenger Whitehouse by 14 points.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples