Democratic primary field gets smaller as Chafee quits

Former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee dropped out of the Democratic presidential primary race this morning, leaving just three candidates vying for the party’s nomination.

“After much thought I have decided to end my campaign for president today,” Chafee said in prepared remarks at a women's forum held by the Democratic National Committee. “I would like to take this opportunity one last time to advocate for a chance be given to peace.”

Chafee, never a frontrunner, faced widespread criticism after the first Democratic debate earlier this month. His poor performance capped a lackluster campaign that failed to inspire voters or donors. He raised just $11,000 in the last quarter. Most of his campaign war chest came from his own private funds.

The former senator, once a liberal Republican, surprised many when he announced he planned to challenge Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination. He leaned heavily on his opposition to the Iraq war in campaign appearances, but seemed somewhat out of touch on other issues. In announcing his campaign in June, Chaffee vowed to move the United States away from the metric system.

Chaffee is the second Democratic presidential hopeful to quit this week. Former U.S. Sen. Jim Webb bowed out on Tuesday. That leaves former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley to vie for the party’s nomination next year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.