Rhode Island Senator Lincoln Chafee (R) does not break through the 50% level of voter support when matched against two potential challengers in a Rasmussen Reports Election Poll. Any incumbent who polls below 50% is potentially vulnerable. This is especially true for an incumbent whose voters generally prefer the other party in statewide and Presidential elections.

Chafee leads Secretary of State Matt Brown (D) by just seven percentage points, 47% to 40%. The incumbent has a 12-point lead on former Attorney General Sheldon Whitehouse, 50% to 38% (see crosstabs).

Chafee also faces a primary challenge from Cranston Mayor Steve Laffey (R). A Laffey upset in that primary would very likely mean a victory for the Democrats in the general election. Laffey trails Brown by 24 points and Whitehouse by 25 (see crosstabs).

Chafee is viewed favorably by 52% of the state's voters; Brown by 45%; Whitehouse by 38%; and Laffey by 31%.

Just 36% of Rhode Island voters approve of the job George Bush is doing as President. That's below his national Job Approval rating.

Rhode Island voters were split down the middle on the nomination of Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court. Forty-five percent (45%) thought he should be confirmed while 44% took the opposite view. (see results for other states).

Crosstabs and other data from this survey is available to Premium Members.