RI-SEN: Chafee Undecided on Alito

Apparently, Linc Chafee is leaving the door open either way the wind blows.  I imagine if they don't need his vote, they'll allow him to vote against Alito.  Otherwise, step in line Linc! in the BeloJo today:

Chafee had used the term "red flag" in interviews Monday and Tuesday on his concerns about the appellate judge from New Jersey. Yesterday he told reporters, "It's a little too early to say 'red flags.' Caution flags, maybe."...

Yesterday, Chafee painted a picture for reporters of his private encounter with Alito. "As a horseman, I know the first step when you meet a horse is to take it easy, take it slow," said Chafee. "Don't be too aggressive." He said he followed that formula yesterday morning when he met the new Supreme Court nominee in a room near the Senate Chamber.

 

More below.

Chafee invited Alito to stroll out the third-story doors to the Capitol steps, where they gazed at the nearby Supreme Court. "Glorious day, blue sky," Chafee said. They were joined only by a pair of Chafee aides and former Sen. Dan Coates, R-Ind., who has escorted the judge during his meetings since Monday with more than a dozen senators.

Oh.  How pretty.