If Laffey beat Chaffee, is it probable that Laffey would beat the Dem. in R.I.?
Virtually impossible. R.I. went 60% for Kerry, and almost 66% for Gore. The only reason Chafee is around is because of his father, who was a R.I. institution.
Laffey was behind something like 55-25 against the D in most polls.
That said, Chafee really isn't more conservative then the D. A lot of people say that, and they are virtually always wrong. There might not be a BIG ENOUGH difference to suit their taste, but there is usually a large difference in how they vote, even between someone like Snowe and whomever runs against her. But in this case, it's literally true. Chafee isn't with the majority of the caucus on ANY major issue, and he's threatened to leave the party in the past.
The only thing he's done right is not to fillibuster judicial nominees. He still votes against them, but he doesn't vote for a fillibuster.
No. More like impossible.
With a GOP majority in the Senate (as in the House), the Republicans can set the agenga. Holding your nose and voting for the RINO in the general election is a smart idea. Losing on principle is an act of insanity.