Now there are seven

Rhode Island — Republican Sen. Lincoln Chafee
Incumbent Lincoln Chafee survived a bruising GOP Rhode Island Senate primary only to face an even tougher challenge in the general election from former state Attorney General Sheldon Whitehouse.

Because Whitehouse did not have a competitive Democratic primary, he was able to use his time leading up to the general election campaign to fill his war chest and boost his profile around the state. More important, he entered the general election unscathed and ready for battle. His first television ad outlined the choices for voters: Stick with a well-liked incumbent who happens to be a member of the unpopular majority party, or vote for a Democratic Senate. A vote for Whitehouse is really a vote for a Democratic takeover of the Senate, while a vote for Chafee is a vote to keep the Republicans in control. The choice appears to have tied Rhode Island voters in knots.

Given Rhode Island's small size and the fact that both candidates are well known, it has been surprising that polling consistently shows a large pool of undecided voters. Between 15 and 20 percent have parked themselves in the "undecided" column as they apparently struggle over whether their fondness for Chafee (and his late father) outweighs their unhappiness with the direction of the country, President Bush, and the Republican-controlled Congress.

Chafee has largely spent his time highlighting his independence, noting in his first ad that both the Left and the Right have attacked him. He has recently started to hit Whitehouse on his record as a U.S. attorney and as state attorney general, particularly his decision not to pursue allegations of corruption at a local hospital. The former head of the hospital was convicted two weeks ago of conspiracy and mail fraud. Meanwhile, both Whitehouse and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee have worked to tie Chafee to Bush and other Republicans.

Rhode Island is among the bluest states, giving Whitehouse an inherent advantage. At the same time, the Chafee name ought to be worth a couple of points for the incumbent. In his past races, Whitehouse has not always been a strong closer. That offers Republicans some hope, but Chafee needs to give voters a reason to support him despite his party affiliation and their unhappiness with the status quo.

Polling since the primary has largely shown a very close contest, with Whitehouse ahead by a few points. This race's final days will be critical, but Chafee is the underdog.

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