Posted on 09/12/2006 6:14:41 AM PDT by Salvation
Edited on 09/12/2006 3:40:45 PM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]
Notoriously independent-minded Rhode Island Republican Sen. Lincoln Chafee confronts stiff opposition Tuesday in his bid for a second term, the latest race with a moderate targeted by his own party's hard-line critics.
While a total of nine states and Washington, D.C., were holding primary elections, Chafee's race is drawing the most attention as another test of the depth of anti-incumbent sentiment and the erosion of the political middle ground.
Update courtesy of RobFromGa in #70:
Here are websites where you can find the results for eight of the nine primaries being held today. The link for Vermont may not be working just yet. I believe it should be up and running by this evening.
The WP also has a lot of election night coverage for the Maryland and DC races.
"The national Republicans have said they'll put no money in the race if Laffey wins today..."
I think that was false bluster calculated to scare RI conservatives into voting for Chafee.
Dear red meat conservative,
Yeah, but for us, it's more likely we'll get stuck with some Dammocrap for another forty years. If Anne Arundel could be its own Congressional District, with maybe a nip of Northern Calvert County, or something to fill us out to full size, we'd likely elect a moderate Republican on our own.
I know we wouldn't likely get someone really conservative. Most of my neighbors are "country club Republicans." But we'd at least get someone who was moderate to mildly conservative on social issues, and conservative on taxes and spending, and likely pro-Second Amendment.
sitetest
I don't. Laffey is a jerk.
16 out of 500+ precints reporting in RI. Chafee has 400 vote lead. WPRO Reporting ...
*8Morris is useless. I get more inteligent impartial commentary here on FR.**
Agree, except that Morris does have the inside scoop on Hill and Bill.
Laffey doesn't excite me either, but my goal are more long term and they do bring out my passion.
In the short term the removal of Chafee from the race means the GOP is likely to revert funding/foot soldiers to some close races where conservatism will make some advancement. It will be a gain for them, and for us.
Second, it sets parameters for Liberal Republicans.
No, a Jeff Sessions may not be able to win in Rhode Island. But if conservatives must make concessions to elect a Republican in the Northeast, they should receive something in return. When it comes to the Northeast typically they have been allowed fiscal conservatism and loyalty to party. Chafee couldn't even provide the last.
It is not just that conservatives receive nothing in return for their votes. I don't ask for an Iraq war Hawk, pro-life, pro-ANWR, etc..but something in return like a simple vote for Bolton? refraining from stating they'd vote for an Ex President? This isn't too much to ask.
So be it. I have a hard time supporting any Rep candidate, even an incumbent, who refused to vote for his party's nominee for President. Better a Dem in this case than Chafee. It is the only race tonight I would make that statement.
I am with you TX, there was no reason for him to act like a total dem wannabe towards Bolton, ala Voinovich.
I fear too that he will jump to the other side of the aisle and would rather a Dem. just get the seat if a message can be sent to the fake Republians.
I despise him, McLame, Lugar, Hagel, Specter, Snow, Collins, and Graham. Damn, I never realized HOW MANY RINO's there were. Did I leave anyone out?
They've just finished trying to trach him for three months, I don't think they are going to spend a nickel on trying to beat a liberal in Rhode Island-- we have too many other races to spend the money on. Harris in Florida would be a better investment, and she is about #8 on the list.
Spencer - 65.1% McFarland - 34.9%
I really think in my heart that if John White gets the nomination and a lackluster Dem wins his nomination, then we can win it. White is a solid conservative and a great candidate. He has the former campaign manager for George Allen on his team (the one who helped him beat Chuck Robb)
Damn, so Chaffee has got to win then...double damn.
Maryland results are starting to come in. WJZ.com has Cardin with 47%, Mfume 22%, and Rales 12% with less than 500 votes in.
Yes, I do.
He came in second in the last Senatorial South carolina primaries, he has a known name, he can finance his own race, and he's declared interest in running. Miranda has written him asking for a declaration. So far no response that I know of.
I see nothing. I don't find any news about any results in any states anywhere!
I don't care WHY he did it....he's should be hung out to dry...just like he has hung Bolton and President Bush out to dry.
Graham's voting record is straight conservative compared to Chaffee.
He's more like McCain - with some bright conservative credentials in amongst the garbage. He's much, much better than Snowe, Collins, Specter.
Chaffee stands out by himself as someone worthy of defeat by conservatives.
If this were not an open primary, he'd easily be gone.
No tears for Chafee getting the boot from me, I just can't find much to cheer. I'll shut up now on this race. Go Laffey! (even though I predicted Chafee in a close one)
he may have the inside scoop but he does not share it substantivly.
I think the MSM is having orgasms at the prospect of a real nail bitter.
The DNC propaganda campaing after labor day petered out and this RI race is all they have. They are praying for jumpin' jeffords part II.
Just perhaps they will get serious about some of the races they have conceeded (FL hint hint GOP)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.