(Providence, RI) — Senator Lincoln Chafee’s vote against the nomination of Judge Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court is, quote, “a hollow vote,” according to the Rhode Island chapter of the National Organization for Women. Spokesperson Carolyn Mark complains that Chafee’s vote became meaningless when he decided not to support a filibuster to extend debate and ultimately block a vote. Donna Fishman of the Rhode Island Coalition for Affirmative Action accuses Chafee of a political ploy, and charges the moderate Republican has failed to protect the civil rights of women. And, Cathy Speer of the Rhode Island division of the American Association of University Women accuses Chafee of, quote, “trying to have it both ways.” She says his vote against confirmation doesn’t matter, but he would not support a filibuster where his vote might have mattered.