Chafee ends speculation: He'll remain a Republican

Providence Journal ^ | 11/9/04 | John E. Mulligan

[DSBull]

Chaffe is a Republican?

[MisterRepublican]

Yeah. When has Chafee ever been a Republican?

[comebacknewt]

Whew. I guess we can all quit worrying about Chafee now. (/sarcasm)

[kellynla]

RINO

[CT CONSERVATIVE]

Once a RINO always a RINO

[marvlus]

Asked whether he would now rule out leaving his party, Chafee said, "Yes, at this stage, that is my intention."

Sounds pretty committed, huh?

[babaloo]

Nothing like the head of the Republican Party in RI saying Chaffee got rolled by the press. I wonder what they promised him if he did not bolt? Probably reminded him how effective Jeffords has been for his constituents.

[wideawake]

Perhaps Chafee noticed that his state which went 30% for Bush in 2000 went 39% for Bush in 2004.

Not only were Chafee's remarks traitorous and out of step with the nation, but they weren't in step with the direction of his own state.

[finallyatexan]

Thank the Lord Almighty - I can finally sleep tonight!

[KellyAdmirer]

So the fellow cleared the road to a conversion to the Democrats when it looked like they might just take over the Senate - then, when the Republicans cleaned up, he backtracks and becomes the loyal Republican. Even now, he hints he might jump ship if the price is right. Wow, what an asset this guy is.

[boomop1]

He just doesn't want to be in the minority party, he'll just vote with them.

[Protagoras]

Republicans are like all politicians, they will accept anyone if it aids them in garnering power.

[PhiKapMom]

He is only staying a Republican since we picked up seats and his defection would mean zero, zip, nada. Would bet if it was still 51 Republicans, he would have left!

[BlackRazor]

Sounds pretty committed, huh?

Yeah, I like this part: He explained that he is reluctant to pledge to remain a Republican "forever."

This guy is really a dim bulb.

[EA_Man]

I was born and raised in RI and now live in Mass.

Chaffee's a good guy, but definitely liberal for a Republican. What did you expect from RI? They go Dem in every election. But they elect Republican Governors and Senators.

Chaffee's father was also a Senator and Sec. of the Navy. Many feel that he stays Republican out of respect for his father and his legacy.

[jennyjenny]

Sounds like some serious a$$ kissing is in order from Mr. Chafee.

[jriemer]

Asked whether he would now rule out leaving his party, Chafee said, "Yes, at this stage, that is my intention."
Sounds pretty committed, huh?

He's holding out for a better offer.

[digger48]

Not many would even consider joining the losing team and delegating themselves to the back of the room.

Probably found that he couldn't cut a sweet deal ($$$$$)
with Teddy the Swimmer like Jeffords. The # of these "moderates" still wouldn't put them in the majority

[pookie18]

I must've missed when he switched from the Democrats :-(