Lincoln Chafee, moderate Republican Senator from Rhode Island, faces his toughest opposition from within his own party. The primary is the reverse of the situation in Connecticut. Chafee’s challenge by Stephen Laffey comes from the far right.

Unlike Lamont’s self-financed campaign, conservative groups from around the country finance this campaign. And in an odd case of strange bedfellows, I say, “Go Laffey!”

In the state with the highest percentage of registered Democrats, Chafee, a Republican, could be reelected. He’s pro-choice, pro-environment and has the best record of voting against Bush of any Republican senator. He cast the only Republican vote against Justice Alito. Unfortunately, that record isn’t good enough.

Having Chafee in the Senate insures he will support Republican leadership and ensures Republicans chairing all committees and setting the agenda. Chafee must go. Republicans are so afraid of losing this seat that Laura Bush, Mitch McConnell, Bill Frist and Elizabeth Dole have all traveled to Rhode Island and held fund raisers for him.

The Democrats running include Sheldon Whitehouse, who has raised more money than Chafee. E is a former Rhode Island attorney general. Another worthy Democrat in the race is Carl Sheeler, a veteran of the marines who supports bringing the troops home.