I don't live anywhere near RI, and I almost always vote for democrats.  However, I'm still happy that Chafee is around.  He is one of a few republicans still around that have an green ethics.  Sure, RI voters could replace him with a greener democrat, but  as the last of the moderate republicans get voted out of office, environmental issues will be seen and treated in an even more partisan light.  

People like Chafee are a voice of moderation for the republican party (even if not on this particular vote).  I'm still glad he is there.  In the latest LCV scorecard, he was graded out at 90%.  In the latest Wilderness Report Card (http://www.americanwilderness.org) he got an A-.  

I live in southeastern Iowa.  My representative is Jim Leach, a green-leaning republican.  I sometimes here other environmentalists voice frustration with Leach on a particular issue and talk about getting a democrat in his seat.  I remind them to continue encouraging Leach to be greener, but that environmental issues will not be solved automatically in this country by putting more democrats in office.  If they force Leach out, the short term gain might be great.  But eventually, the district will put another republican in, and then it might be an anti-environmentalist.  

In short, moderate green republicans protect us by fending off the less desirable elements of their party.  I might be wrong, but I would imagine that the same might be true with Chafee and Rhode Island.  Lets work to make environmental issues LESS partisan, not more.