Chafee May Flip To Democratic Party

Not just a rumor, it seems.

Now Chafee will bring to the Democratic Party all the experience, smarts, fresh ideas, and charisma that his dad had but he doesn't.

Two days after losing a bid for a second term, Sen. Lincoln Chafee (news, bio, voting record) said he was unsure whether he would remain a Republican.

Chafee lost to Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse in a race seen as a referendum on President Bush and the GOP. On Thursday, he was asked whether he would stick with the Republican Party or become an independent or Democrat.

"I haven't made any decisions. I just haven't even thought about where my place is," Chafee said at a news conference. When pressed on whether his comments indicated he might leave the GOP, he replied: "That's fair."

Gee, I wonder if that has anything to do with his intent to block Bolton's appointment as Ambassador to the UN:

Sen. Lincoln Chafee, R-R.I., who was defeated by Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse on Tuesday, told reporters in Rhode Island on Thursday that he would continue opposing Bolton. That would deny Republicans the votes they would need to move Bolton’s nomination from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to the full Senate.

...

“I see no point in considering Mr. Bolton’s nomination again in the Foreign Relations Committee because regardless of what happens there, he is unlikely to be considered by the full Senate,” said Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware, top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee.

Can you take someone off a committee? Why not? If it's possible, take him off the committee, replace him with someone who will vote for Bolton, and bid a fond farewell to Linc Chafee.

Needless to say, Republicans everywhere are devastated by Chafee's defection.

Thanks to Dave in Texas, who's grateful the "Democratic wave" finally filled his f'n' pool.

posted by Ace at 03:08 PM

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