RI Senate: Chafee (R) 38%, Whitehouse (D) 44% (Rasmussen)

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August 9, 2006
Senator Lincoln Chafee

Republican Senator Lincoln Chafee, marginally leading his Democratic opponent in previous surveys, is trailing for the second Rasmussen Reports election poll in a row. Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse now leads 44% to 38% (see crosstabs). A month ago, Whitehouse was ahead 46% to 41%.

Chafee faces a primary battle with Cranston Mayor Steve Laffey, not the GOP's best hope here. In a match-up with Laffey, Whitehouse leads 55% to 31%.

Chaffee's tribulations are not unique. Our recent polling shows that Democrats are holding their own in Senate contests, including in states where it was thought the GOP had a decent chance to pick up a seat (see commentary on trends). Meanwhile, five incumbent Republican senators, including Chafee, now trail Democrat challengers (that list also includes Senators Santorum, Burns, DeWine, and Talent).

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2006/State%20Polls/August%202006/rhodeIslandSenate.htm