Despite its status as the smallest state in the country, Rhode Island has a habit of attracting the national eye toward its political scene. Its founding as a haven by colonists seeking religous freedom has made its name synonymous with democracy in action.

On this primary day, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2006, the state again demonstrates its grip on voters near and far with a fierce battle between U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee and Cranston Mayor Stephen Laffey for the Republican nomination for Chafee's Senate seat, plus several statewide and local races. We'll blog them, as well as offer continuous updates of primary results, photos and full coverage from the staff of The Providence Journal.

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