Could be,but I think Chafee is just waiting for the perfect time to jump over and become a Dim,and I think there is a chance of McLunatic becoming a independent. I think McLunatic is doing his best to arrange a possible VP slot on the 2004 Dim ticket,and becoming a "Independent" will help set the stage. That's two right there,one strong probability and one possibility. I'm sure the DNC has been in back door discussions with other RINO's,too. This is for establishing which judges get appointed and approved,and the Dims will stop at nothing to keep the veto power on this.
There is no way that Orrin Hatch will allow conservative judges to get much more than the time of day from the Judiciary Committee; he and Patrick Leahy have already agreed to equal power.