Slip Sliding Away?

While BC04 panders to their base, they seem to be losing ground in the Senate Republican Caucus. It's not just Republican Senators airing concerns about their President's "mistakes" and "incompetence." At least one is pondering whether he can even vote for his own party's nominee...

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Republican Sen. Lincoln Chafee said Monday he plans to support his party in November but may write in a candidate instead of voting for President Bush.

The Rhode Island lawmaker, known for moderate views that often run counter to the Bush administration, said he was going to vote for a member of his party even though he disagrees with the president on many issues.

...and whether it's even his own party anymore.

The Republican said the party's direction in the future will determine his political career as well. He said he's "not OK" with the conservative platform from the Republican convention, but would not say if he'd consider switching parties in his next election in 2006.

"It wasn't that long ago that moderates had more of a voice," Chafee said. "It's a cycle that I hope will come back."

Ummm, Senator Chafee? Moderate's do have a voice. It's in the Democratic Party. The welcome mat is out now. Why wait?