Sen. Chafee Not Ruling Out Changing Parties

theday.com/ ^ | Published on 11/4/2004 | LOLITA C. BALDOR

[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.”

[dougiefresh]

Even if he's just considering changing parties, he needs to be isolated and made irrelevant. The country has spoken and his views are not in the majority. We should not kiss his ass or try to influence him to stay in any way. He and his constituents will have to suffer the consequences. It's like he's just doing this for attention. Let him go.

[bobjam]

The vast liberal majority of southern New England (MA, CT and RI) might welcome this, but they should be aware of one thing: by switching parties they will deprive themselves of effective representation in the Congress.

[Fiddlstix]

Adios RINO! We don't need ya anyhow. The more RINOs who leave, the better. A RINO is no better than a RAT. In fact, a RINO is worse than a RAT.

[katieanna]

Go, Linc. We don't need you.

[Catie]

Cut him loose.

[hardhead]

This weak-jawed girlie man should jump! At least he will be properly identified.

[katieanna]

Upon second thought, I doubt Chaffee will go because he'd lose all the trappings of being in the majority. The dems won't have control of the Senate for a very long time.

[taildragger]

If you go take Snow, Collins, Specter, and McCain with you.

We will lick our wounds and move on.

TORINO's

Tired of Republican's in Name Only.

It is not just a great Ford Muscle Car from the 60's....

[kimoajax]

Barney Frank will cover his back.

[pepperdog]

Dare him, dare him to quit his seat and stand for re-election as a Dem! That's the proper way to do it, so no doubt he'll just jump and keep his seat without allowing his constituents the option of kicking out his sorry rear. I realize he would probably be elected as a Dem, but at least the 'Pubs in his state would have a chance to be heard.

[drc43]

"His chances of bringing home the pork would be nil."

If he doesn't cooperate to some extent would this not also be true?

[AmishDude]

Putting the dumb in dumbass.

[NetSurfer]

LMAO!

[HitmanLV]

There is no benefit to switching to a minority party unless the switch brings the majority status to them. Otherwise the jumper loses significance for himself/herself AND their constituency.

I think Lincoln just likes to make a little noise to get a little attention. Like a child.

[GianniV]

When is this a-hole's term up? Got to get rid of him.

[AmishDude]

He should have pulled a Jeffords (who actually went to Lott and asked what he could get for a switch back, Lott laughed in his face) but it's too late. Chafee can switch to an anemic minority if he wants. It would be incredibly stupid, but he could do it.

[Chode]

change hell... kick his ass out!!! we should act harshly to threats

[TChris]

Well, a RINO would always be better as a true Democrat. At least that way the numbers make more sense.

[mabelkitty]

C-ya.
NO PORK FOR YOU!

[KC_Conspirator]

This is democrat wishful thinking. Uh, Chafee can just take a look and Jim Jeffords who was fooled into switching parties and has marginlized himself and his state. No chairmanships, no pork, no power. Chafee would be stupid to so so now.