Brian Pestana, vice president of operations, talked about how the company had "carved out a niche that has kept our head above water as we navigate through tricky waters." Only about 10 percent of VR's business is with in-state companies. And Fred Pestana observed how the company works closely with other companies to design and manufacture the component that fits their need.

Still, there was no talk from Chafee about this platform or campaign. He listened and asked a few questions.

Joe Oakes, president, brought up the Rhode Island Statewide Coalition, RISC, a group that is out to support pro-business candidates. If Chafee knew about the group he didn't let on, but rather let Oakes explain RISC's strategy to support pro-business candidates regardless of party label. RISC is asking each of the state's 35,000 to pledge $250 to $500 to get the candidates elected.

Chafee agreed that funding is needed, noting that Joseph Trillo spent $25,000 to oust Russell Bramley for the 24th Representative District seat.

"Businesses should get together and fund candidates," he said, "and give them give time (away from their jobs)."

As mayor, Chafee said he tried to make inroads into the Democratic controlled City Council and General Assembly delegation to no avail.

And then, maybe after a half hour of banter, he touched on a theme of his campaign.

He mentioned the divisiveness of state politics. The Pestanas nodded; so did Oakes.

"We have to get people to work together to move forward," he said. There were more nods. He said he wanted to bring people together.

And how would he get the state out of the, "big hole of unfunded pensions," Oakes questioned.

Chafee talked of contract revisions made while he was mayor.

"You make a few adjustments, you don't take a sledge hammer to it. Going forward, that's where you've got to change it," he said.

Oakes lamented that the state has a way of driving out high wage earners. Chafee agreed, noting how some people spend six months of the year in Florida to establish residence there and escape state taxes.

Chafee didn't offer a solution, but he talked of the importance of well-run government as a means of attracting business. He said he would welcome business to come to the state, but wouldn't offer any deals to get them here. His answer to reduce the cost of government is to develop a motivated workforce, provide them with the best equipment to get the job done and not fill vacancies.

To Fred Pestana's suggestion that if each of Rhode Islands 35,000 businesses hired a single employee, the state would dramatically reduce unemployment, Chafee said, "that sounds like Frank Caprio."

Chafee also toured the VR plant, saying a few words to some workers who looked up from computer monitors and workbenches and waving to others. Dawn De Remer, who was performing optical inspections on computer boards, said she had voted for Chafee as senator and planned to do so again for governor.

"I like his thoughts. I think he listens to people...he's open," she said.

Similar endorsements came from inspectors Mary Sheperis, Marylou Clark and Yee Vang. Vang said she liked Chafee's smile.

"He seems very presentable, not a lot of hoopla," said Clark.

Asked about his proposal to extend a one percent sales tax to food, clothing and over-the-counter drugs to get the state out of its financial jam, Chafee said "we're in a real crisis, this is not the time for smoke and mirrors."

He said the tax would generate $100 million and he favors it to an increase of the income tax. And asked how an expansion of taxes would help attract business to the state, Chafee said he would seek to lower taxes as the economy improved rather than increasing government spending.

"As growth happens, you don't spend it," he said.

Chafee is happy with his position as a loner on the ballot, although he said it's going to be an interesting year with possibly five candidates on the ballot.

Five?

Chafee cited the Republican, Democratic and Moderate slots and added himself as the fourth. The fifth, he said, is a newcomer who evidently is also talking of running as an independent.

Who?

Chafee didn't have the name.

And as he prepared to leave, Chafee handed out business cards with his name. That was it for campaign literature.

But then, people know who he is.

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