And that is with support from the RNC for him over his primary opponent.
But the RNC made a bet they couldn't win with a conservative there.
The RNC and the RSCC have always had a rule: In the event of a primary, always stand with the incumbent.
I'm not surprised they did so.
Truth be told, I'm not sure that Laffey could have won the general election. In a battle for an open seat, I'd give him a chance. But this is Rhode Island where EVERYONE is liberal.
As much as I try to think in terms of a big GOP tent, losing Chaffee wouldn't be the worst thing that could happen.