Does anyone have a take on this? Primary challenger against Lieberman

[WildEyedLiberal]

http://www.nedlamont.com/

His website doesn't really say anything, but I can't imagine the guy could be worse than Joe. If he won in a primary, he would probably carry the state - I can't imagine the Republicans who vote for Lieberman are a big enough worry that a different Democrat couldn't take the seat.

I'm not a big fan of DU's constant "so-and-so is a DINO SELLOUT, support Random Obscure Challenger in the primary!!!11" threads - especially the ones about Cindy Sheehan, talk about quixotic at best - but Lieberman is pretty damn close to what I'd consider a DINO and Connecticut, unlike, say, Nebraska, is blue enough to elect a real liberal.

What say ye?

[sandnsea]

1. That's what primaries are for

I think people can run positive primaries that don't hurt the winner in the GE. I don't know enough about CT Dems to say any Democrat can win though, that's for Connecticut to decide I guess.

[rox63]

2. CT may be fairly blue

But it is also home to a lot of somewhat wealthy people who (if they have to work for a living) commute to work in Manhattan. So they can add a more conservative flavor to the state. Their other Senator (Dodd) is a moderate Dem (as opposed to Lieberman, who I consider a conservative Dem), their congresscritters include 2 Dems and 3 Rethugs, and they have a Rethug Governor. They have tended to vote for Democrats in presidential elections in recent years. But in some ways, the state has a purple-ish hue, rather than being deep blue.

[Noisy Democrat]

3. I think enough is enough

with Lieberman. He's sided with Bush and the Neo-cons in far too many ways. I signed up for Ned Lamont's mailing list a few days ago. I'm not in CT, but people around the country can help.

[GRLMGC]

4. I hope so

Although I've had enough of people targetting my lesser Senator with someone who'd get 5% of the vote. However, Lieberman is pretty awful.

[beachmom]

5. I come from Conn. but don't live there now

Don't forget the Jewish vote which is significant in Conn. He still is a Democrat and a big supporter of Israel (although Kerry took 70% of the Jewish vote), so people MAY forgive the pro-war stuff. Also don't forget that Pat Buchanon, Ann Coulter, and the * family hail from Connecticut. I also remember everyone loved Reagan/* in the 80s, and only went back to blue in '92 so purple is right. Lieberman is also an encumbent, which is hard to beat. The thing is, the guy is principled (just not MY principles). He has been for the Iraq War since the beginning -- he believes in it. He also has been a centrist, not wanting partisan bickering, and some people are attracted to that (to them he comes across as a statesman). My parents no longer live in Conn., but they definitely are mad at him -- not sure if that translates into widespread malcontent in the state though. He's also quite likeable (come on -- he was just plain funny in that Political Tourist movie). And finally, on bread and butter domestic Dem issues, isn't he a solid Dem? What were his votes on Bankruptcy, Tort reform, tax cuts? He also is strong on the environment (remember that amendment with McCain that failed on global warming which was very good). In a way, I think it's unfair that he is picked on when many other Dems in the Senate are to the Right of him.

I'd have to see the guy running against him in the primaries, but I bet you it will be an uphill battle for him. Lieberman will be tough to beat. I'd rather have Lieberman than a Republican, that's for sure! But just so you know -- I'm mad at him, too. If I lived there I would check out the other guy -- if he was an amateur then I would vote for Lieberman in the primary. Managing risks, my friends.