Hartford Courant Washington Bureau Chief David Lightman calls U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee "so unassuming he seems almost embarrassed to talk to voters" in a profile that ran in the Connecticut paper yesterday.

On a similar note, The Providence Journal's Katherine Gregg writes in a profile Sunday that the wealthy Rhode Island Republican -- who once shoed horses for a living -- may be more comfortable shoveling manure than making small talk with potential voters.

Chafee's battle for his seat against Democrat and fellow blueblood Sheldon Whitehouse is making national headlines, as one of the races that could tip the party balance in the Senate.

The Journal ran a profile of Whitehouse on Sunday, as well, in which writer Scott MacKay notes that Whitehouse "has overcome an innate shyness and reserve to relish the 'howareyah' greetings and the outstretched hand."