From today’s Pawtucket Times:

Former Gov. Lincoln Almond, who headed up Rhode Islanders for Judge Alito said he was “disappointed” by Chafee’s decision. But, he added, “I had to opportunity to meet with the Senator on Judge Alito, so I understand his position.I am grateful that he was thoughtful and thorough in his consideration.I am confident that Judge Alito will still be confirmed by the US Senate.”
State GOP Chairwoman Patricia Morgan, who said she personally disagreed with his position said, “Senator Chafee has made his decision on the nomination of Samuel Alito. There are those who will agree with it and those who don’t, but we can all respect the thorough and deliberative way in which he arrived at it.
“The Senator, who has always run as a Republican, has clearly established himself as an independent thinker,” Morgan said.
Chafee won praise from the environmental group the Sierra Club. In an e-mail spokesperson Jennifer Tuttle said, “Senator Chafee has – once again – made a politically tough decision to protect the environment.
“The Rhode Island Sierra Club applauds Senator Chafee’s decision to vote against Judge Samuel Alito’s nomination to the Supreme Court. Deciding who should serve on the Supreme Court is the toughest decision a Senator can make and we are glad Senator Chafee brought his environmental values to the table.We appreciate that Senator Chafee will vote his values; not the party line.”

Question for Rhode Island Republicans who still support Lincoln Chafee: What exactly must the guy do before you abandon him? Not only did he fail to vote for Alito, he didn’t even vote for President Bush in 2004.