And yet, and yet....
There are plenty of grass roots republicans who will take the message that moderates like Chafee lost because republicans were not conservative enough!
That's what I'm hearing all over. See Tech's post also.
(FWIW, the liberal grass roots/activists have been arguing pretty much the same - move left - since 94)
If Republicans, just keep moving rightwards, the only thing they'll ensure is the Democratic party has control for another 40 years.