James Stapleton, 60, who lives in Cranston's Ward 2 and describes himself as an independent with a "capital I," picked up a Republican ballot and "leaned toward Chafee" with his vote.

He voted, he said, on three key issues.

The race will be interesting to watch today, he said.

"I don't believe any man has the right to tell any woman what she can or cannot do with her body," he said.

"I'm for stem cell research, and I'm very much opposed to the war in Iraq."

Weighing in on a race that could have national implications was more important to Stapleton than having a say in local races on the Democratic side.

"I personally believe Laffey has done a very credible job in Cranston, but the other three issues are more important to me," he said.

Standing about 20 feet away from the other sign carriers, two university students held "Laffey U.S. Senate" signs.

Chris Sirr, 20, and Brian Reynolds, 21, are both Middletown residents and Roger Williams University students fulfilling a political science course requirement to complete 10 hours of campaign work.

"And we chose Laffey because we're obviously supporters," Reynolds said.

Both said they had voted for Laffey this morning before coming to City Hall. "We know that the incumbent, Chaffee, is not as conservative as we would like him to be," Sirr said.

"He constantly votes against the president," Sirr said, "so that's why were voting against Chafee."