R.I. senator to remain in GOP

AP (Via Chicago Sun-Times) ^ | November 10, 2004 | LOLITA C. BALDOR

[Rutles4Ever]

WASHINGTON-- Republican Sen. Lincoln Chafee, who flirted with changing political parties in the wake of President Bush's re-election victory, says he will stay in the GOP.

"My Republican colleagues have let me know that they want me in their caucus," the Rhode Island senator said Monday. "They value the voice I bring and they have made it very clear to me that they respect and want that voice to be heard."

Chafee had said last week he would consider switching party affiliation if Bush won because he felt the president was taking the party too far to the right. He said he got a flurry of phone calls from Republican leaders over the weekend, including Senate Majority Whip Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and a key White House staff member, urging him to stick with the GOP.

A moderate Republican who often votes with the Democrats on environmental matters and some tax issues, Chafee said he wants to press his views from within the party. He said he will be able to better serve Rhode Island as a member of the party that controls Congress and the White House.

His decision preserves the 55-44-1 Republican advantage that resulted from last Tuesday's elections. Sen. James Jeffords of Vermont had earlier switched from Republican to independent.

Chafee spokesman Stephen Hourhan said he was not aware if Republican leaders offered the senator anything in order to secure his loyalty.

A member of one of the state's better known Republican families, Chafee was appointed to the Senate in November 1999 to fill the seat when his father, John, died.

[Rutles4Ever]

I know this has already been posted (yesterday), but I can't emphasize enough that Arlen Specter is adrift at sea, and quite alone. The fear that Snowe, Chafee, and others would go Democrat if Specter is blocked from the chairmanship is completely unfounded in anything but fear. These Northeastern moderate Republicans CANNOT switch parties without risking primary defeat versus bona fide liberal democrats. Contrary to the notion they have US by the cajones, the fact is, we have THEM. They can't afford to become "Jim Jeffords" with a fast-approaching "sell-by" date.

They will not be an obstacle in this Specter issue.

[Lexinom]

Just one correction. They are not "moderate" Republicans. They are liberal Republicans.

[wideawake]

Oh boy. Lucky us.

[AmishDude]

As I recall, this guy is a dim bulb. Not as dim as Jeffords, but pretty close. Who is the dumbest Senator? I think Jeffords, Boxer and Patty bin Murray have to be among the top 3.

[HEY4QDEMS]

Babs is the stupidest in all of congress of all time.

No one is even close.

[Rutles4Ever]

It's very good news. It's an indication that these rogue senators are going to dance to the GOP music. The path of least resistance, in the short term, is to flip parties.

[aShepard]

Chaffee can do anything he pleases.
Up here in Rhode Island, we'll get rid of this stupid idiot in 2006.

[JanetteS]

"My Republican colleagues have let me know that they want me in their caucus," the Rhode Island senator said Monday. "They value the voice I bring and they have made it very clear to me that they respect and want that voice to be heard."

Wonder what they bribed him with? RINO's always threaten to jump when it's time to parcel out committee seats and chairmanships. I say let them all jump: Chaffee, Snow Specter and McCain. We're better off knowing who our enemies are that way we're not continually "surprised" by these "moderate republicans" actions.

[willNJ]

According to Marc Levin, Joe Biden is the dumbest Senator.
The bottum line is you don't have to be to bright to get elected to the senate. All you have to do is move to a blue State, become a DemocRAT and and recite verbaitim the Liberal playbook

[lilylangtree]

Uh, no, Chafee, we don't want you. Do a Jeffords! Leave! Depart! Don't let the door slam you on the butt on your way out.

[Dansong]

Chafee was on the local radio today - he said Frist came to him to extend a hand of friendship; Chafee says he's not leaving because he needs help in his re-election bid. A popular local mayor - Lafey of Cranston - is rumored to be considering tahking Chafee on in a republican primary. Add a popular republican governor to the mix and you can see why Linc is scared

[HEY4QDEMS]

Levin may be right, I'm not citing any sources, it's just my personal opinion.

[the gillman@blacklagoon.com]

Bush is a left of center liberal.
Chafee is a mindless commie and a pile of second hand pizened tripe.

[Yo-Yo]

Those who survived the San Francisco earthquake said, "Thank God, I'm still alive." But, of course, those who died, their lives will never be the same again.
- Barbara Boxer, Senator

[GungaLaGunga]

Chafee = Pantywaist

[UnbelievingScumOnTheOtherSide]

damn

[Rummyfan]

Republican Sen. Lincoln Chafee, who flirted with changing political parties in the wake of President Bush's re-election victory, says he will stay in the GOP.

Why would he consider changing parties after the President was re-elected? And your party just picked up more seats to solidify your majority? When I vote for Senate, I am usually voting for a REPUBLICAN. What makes these yahoos think it's ok with their constituents to jump parties? Resign, change parties, then run again under your new affiliation.

[JLAGRAYFOX]

Lincoln Chafee sees the handwriting on the wall. If he thinks that we are going to stand pat on just keeping the "Red States" in the fold, he is sadly mistaken. I suggest you take a good look at the voting trends in the "Blue States". Some of them appear ripe for cultivation. If we go at this using our smarts we can destroy the current Democrat Party. We cannot ever let this "traitor" Democrat Party get up off the floor. It, like the terrorists must be destroyed if freedom is to reign. The Party of Michael Moore, George Soros, Larry O'Donnell, Nancy Pelosi, Charlie Rangel, etc. must be destroyed at the ballot box, the same way that Sherman ripped the heart out of the south!!!

[tellw]

Big Tent bump!