One of our reasons for listing the Rhode Island Senate contest as Leans Democrat is the very real possibility that Chafee doesn't even make it to the general election against Whitehouse. Two new polls taken Monday-Wednesday last week are all over the map, with a Rhode Island College survey giving Laffey a 17 point lead (51% - 34%) and POS survey indicating Chafee ahead by 14 (53% - 39%). Let's just say that it looks like it is going to be close, with a Laffey win, guaranteeing a Democratic pickup, and even if Chafee holds on we suspect he will be hobbled going into the general.

A solid Chafee win next Tuesday, would be good news for GOP prospects of holding this seat.

(The POS poll was done for the NRSC, which is not good news for Chafee.)