My mom is probably related to half of Rhode Island – not a big feat, given the relative size of that state. Her hometown is Cranston, Rhode Island, and much of the family still lives up that way. As a result, I’ve long taken an interest in Rhode Island’s politics, and the lamentable records of the Chafee family as Republican senators.

As a result, I gladly join Captain Ed in endorsing Cranston Mayor Stephen Laffey for the GOP nomination for Senate in 2006.

I make this endorsement despite the fact that the National Republican Senatorial Committee is actively opposing Laffey in favor of Chafee.

I make this endorsement because of the fact that the National Republican Senatorial Committee is actively opposing Laffey in favor of Chafee.

Brian Nick, spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said it is "ridiculous" that Laffey is running against "the only Republican that can keep the seat in the Senate." The committee is financing the ads and urging Laffey to abandon the race.

In recent years, Laffey endeared himself to the GOP by challenging the state's unions and other public officials; Republicans once courted him for lieutenant governor. Now, he is ignoring their entreaties to step aside.

"This is the story of my life," said Laffey, a 43-year-old former investment banker. "People tell me I shouldn't do things, and I end up doing them. Seems like I do them for spite sometimes."

The son of a toolmaker, Laffey frequently boasts about attending Harvard Business School despite being told he would not get in straight out of college. He scoffs at the Republican argument about the Senate race.

"The national Republican Party has sort of lost its way," he said. "Think about it: The first $200,000 they're spending is against a fellow Republican."

Yeah, that’s right. They are not going after the Democrats. They are not going against Chafee, whose tendency is to oppose the President and the rest of the GOP at every turn. They are spending this cash – raised from conservative sources – to attack the Reagan Republican in the race!

So if you can, send a few bucks LaffeyÂ’s way.

And remember – Not One Dime to the national campaign organizations.

Posted by: Greg at 01:46 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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