Posted on 11/05/2004 9:13:04 AM PST by crushelits
Sen. Chafee Not Ruling Out Changing Parties
R.I. Republican says party is now too far to the right
Washington Rhode Island Sen. Lincoln Chafee remained mum Wednesday on whether he planned to jump from the Republican Party, which he says has moved too far right under President Bush. Chafee, who is part of the state's better known Republican families but often votes with the Democrats, had said he would consider switching party affiliation if Bush were re-elected. On Wednesday, after Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry conceded the race to Bush, Chafee's spokesman said the Rhode Island lawmaker wasn't ready to make a final decision. Clearly we're trying to digest the situation, spokesman Stephen Hourhan said. Ultimately, it's a question of what he wants to do and when he wants to do it. U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., said the Democrats would welcome Chafee with open arms, and were probably already trying to encourage his defection. He's a fine senator, he has a lot of independence, Dodd said. He may find it more comfortable to be with us Democrats. |
After Tuesday's vote, Republicans were assured 55 Senate seats, strengthening their 51-48 margin, with one Democratic-leaning independent. Hourhan said Chafee was buoyed by some of the victories that moderate Republicans posted around the country, and there would be no immediate move. The Republican Party, up until now, has been very nice to him, Hourhan said. Known for moderate views that often run counter to the Bush administration, Chafee said he cast a write-in vote for Bush's father, George H.W. Bush, in Tuesday's election, calling it a symbolic protest. The Republican senator said it would have been impossible to vote for President Bush given their opposite views on issues such as abortion, gay marriage, the deficit, tax cuts, the environment and the war in Iraq. Chafee, 51, has opposed the administration's push to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and voted against Bush's energy plan and tax cuts. He also criticized Bush's handling of the postwar reconstruction of Iraq and was the only Republican senator to vote against the October 2002 resolution that gave Bush the authority to invade Iraq. Chafee, who was appointed to the Senate in November 1999 to fill the seat when his father, John, died, said if he were to change parties, it would be with great sadness. In heavily Democratic Rhode Island, Chafee has been a Republican since birth. His parents named him Lincoln after the first Republican president. He's told The Associated Press he wants the moderate wing of the GOP to rise again, and he has trouble with the direction his party has been going. Chafee said ever since Bush has been in office, it's been an agenda of energizing the far-right-wing base, which is divisive. |
Kick him out, don't wait for him to decide.
Perhaps his move should reward Rhode Island with ZERO federal dollars until his reelection bid.
... ?The Republican Party, up until now, has been very nice to him,? Hourhan said...
Well that's gotta stop immediately.
Toss the damned commie out on his ear.
He's a treasonous pig, like his father.
When you leave, Mr. Chafee, please change your first name from Lincoln to Benedict. It will better suit you in the Democrat Party.
DOn't know much about him except what I hear or read in the News. I am sure I can depend on their accuracy in reporting. Get He^^ going. Don't let the door hit you where the good Lord split you. RINO!
He should not only change partiesd he should change from a suit to a dress
Don't let the screen door hit you on the way out.
Wow, what a stand. (Moron)
He has to be a subcommittee chairman of something.
From his Senate Bio:
"He is a member of the Committee on Environment and Public Works and serves as Chairman of the Superfund Subcommittee. He is also a member of the Committee on Foreign Relations and serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs. In addition, he is a member of the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs."
It is very possible he would have to give up assignments on certain committees for lesser assignments and lose any chairman role he has.
Yeah, and take Specter with you.
" Chafee said ever since Bush has been in office, it's been an agenda of energizing the far-right-wing base, which is divisive."
As opposed to energizing the far left, which is unifying. </sarcasm>
OH Please, Please, Please let him switch. We need to expose and eject these democrats masquerading as republicans!
"Ultimately, it's a question of what he wants to do and when he wants to do it."
I suppose that the opinions of those who elected him--as a Republican--mean nothing. Tom Wolfe was wrong. THIS is the 'Me Decade.'
With the way RI has voted in the last 2 elections (61% Dem in 2000 and 60% in 2004) the loss of Chafee's seat is probably inevitable.
He can go...but it would be nice if he's send Joe L. and Evan B. back our way.
Evan Bayh will be trouble in '08.
Since when was Lincoln Chaffee a Republican?
Don't let the screen door hit you on the way out comrade.
Buh Bye
Tell him what happened to the price of milk after Jeffords left, then kick his sorry ass out.
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