[Illbay]

I really don't think Chafee will do so. He likes the idea of being a "honcho," and is being courted by his fellow Pubbies.

Remember: Better than ideology, all these "career politicians" love power and prestige.

[I still care]

Chaffee saw what happened to Jeffords. The Demos promised him everything and gave him practically nothing. If the Demos lose control of the Senate, Jeffords is really going to be unable to do anything. I would think only a very foolish man would switch over.

[Rodney King]

I really don't think Chafee will do so. He likes the idea of being a "honcho," and is being courted by his fellow Pubbies. Remember: Better than ideology, all these "career politicians" love power and prestige.

Even if the Dem's give him chairmanship of a comittee and the VP candidate slot in return?

[Paleo Conservative]

He likes the idea of being a "honcho," and is being courted by his fellow Pubbies

In a narrowly divided Senate, it is often advantageous to be the Senator that needs to be courted by his own party on votes. This can give a senator more leverage in negotiating. If Chaffee switched to the RATS, he would not have anywhere near the kind of influence he can have as the marginal Republican.