The GOP establishment forcefully backed Republican Lincoln Chafee in the primary over a more conservative and arguably less-electable Republican. But, perhaps damaged by having to struggle so long for the nomination, it is not clear how electable Senator Chafee remains. The incumbent now lags his Democratic challenger 43% to 51%.
This is the fourth Rasmussen Reports election poll in row showing former Attorney General Sheldon Whitehouse with the lead-and the lead is growing. Our last pre-primary poll found the challenger clinging to a narrow two-point lead. Before that, Whitehouse led by six. In July he was ahead by five.
Rasmussen Reports is now shifting the Rhode Island Senate race from "Toss-Up" to "Leans Democrat" in our Senate Balance of Power Summary. We are also shifting Ohio and Montana from "Toss-Up" to "Leans Democrat."
