About a week ago, Bob Novak wrote a column explaining that 2006 could be a “tough year” for Republicans in the Senate. Dem recruiting has gone well, Republican recruiting less so, and factors likely to drive the campaign narrative next year definitely tilt in the Dems’ direction.
Later this week, the GOP’s hopes for a strong cycle will diminish a little further when Stephen Laffey, the mayor of Cranston, R.I., announces that he will challenge Sen. Lincoln Chafee in a Republican primary next year.
In truth, this does not come as a huge surprise. As far back as April, Laffey encouraged rumors about his entry into the race. Stoking the fires, Laffey’s office released a statement suggesting that Chafee is guilty of “weak, indecisive waffling.” Shortly thereafter, the Club for Growth encouraged Laffey to get into the race and rid the Senate of it’s most liberal Republican.
State GOP sources told The Hill that Laffey could throw his hat into the ring as early as Thursday.
The first sign that Laffey was on the verge of jumping into the race came over the weekend, when he e-mailed supporters and journalists, letting them know he would be making a “major announcement” Thursday about his “future plans” at a Knights of Columbus hall in Cranston.
While politicians often issue brief statements via e-mail or fax to say they are not entering a race, Laffey’s statement indicated the hall would open at 5:15 p.m. and the announcement would come 45 minutes later, presumably to give a large crowd time to show up. (One Republican said Laffey was hoping for 3,000 attendees.)
Algiere said he had heard “unconfirmed rumors” that Laffey would be announcing his Senate candidacy. Other Republicans privately predicted that Laffey is mobilizing for a bid.
For Dems, this couldn’t be a better scenario. After Dem Reps. James Langevin and Patrick Kennedy withdrew from consideration, former state Attorney General Sheldon Whitehouse and Rhode Island Secretary of State Matt Brown stepped up to take on Chafee. But with Chafee’s campaign coffers flush, and a difficult primary for Dems, there was growing talk this was a seat that Dems might see slip away. Now, Laffey’s primary challenge changes the equation again.