NationStates Jolt Archive

Who will win this year's Connecticut Senate Race?

I say Lamont. I don't think Lieberman has the personality and the platform to uncircle the Democratic wagons in an election season like this.

I say Lamont. I don't think Lieberman has the personality and the platform to uncircle the Democratic wagons in an election season like this.

Unless he makes a tremendous gaffe in the next few weeks, Lamont should win this thing pretty handily. Lieberman's only real hope at this point is to go really negative--which he started with already by accusing Lamont of being soft on terror--and hope that enough Connecticutians buy it.

Unless he makes a tremendous gaffe in the next few weeks, Lamont should win this thing pretty handily. Lieberman's only real hope at this point is to go really negative--which he started with already by accusing Lamont of being soft on terror--and hope that enough Connecticutians buy it.
Actually, Lieberman has a fighting chance. Most Republicans said they would vote for him if he ran as Independent, and don't forget, lamont won by only 4 percent.

My money is on Lieberman.

My bet would be Lieberman. Remember that CT has a closed primary and so Independents could not vote. Now it is the general election and now they have the opportunity to vote for the candidate they want to represent them in Congress.

My bet would be Lieberman. Remember that CT has a closed primary and so Independents could not vote. Now it is the general election and now they have the opportunity to vote for the candidate they want to represent them in Congress.
But in order to keep those voters, he has to move right, and that's what got him in trouble in the primary in the first place. Plus, don't forget, there is a Republican in the race, such as he is, and why should the CT Republicans pass up a chance at a real three way race? Remember, CT is very blue, so this is a rare opportunity for them.

But in order to keep those voters, he has to move right, and that's what got him in trouble in the primary in the first place. Plus, don't forget, there is a Republican in the race, such as he is, and why should the CT Republicans pass up a chance at a real three way race? Remember, CT is very blue, so this is a rare opportunity for them.

And what makes you think he has to move to the right to get re-elected? As to the Republicans, many of them (from my understanding) have said that they would vote for him.

CT is Democratic so whay are we thinking about a Lieberman as a third party candadite actually winning? Many people who voted for Lieberman did so for they just vote down the Democratic party line. Now that they have a new democratic candadite many will shrug and vote for the new guy.

CT is Democratic so whay are we thinking about a Lieberman as a third party candadite actually winning? Many people who voted for Lieberman did so for they just vote down the Democratic party line. Now that they have a new democratic candadite many will shrug and vote for the new guy.

Care to back that one up?

And what makes you think he has to move to the right to get re-elected? As to the Republicans, many of them (from my understanding) have said that they would vote for him.
Because he's not going to keep all the primary voters. He'll keep some, maybe even most, but he's not going to tap into any Lamont people, not unless Lamont really screws up. So he's got to appeal to Connecticut Republicans, and that's a limited pool.

Look, Lieberman could very well win this thing, but I stand by my earlier statement--he's got to go negative and demonize Lamont to do it, and that's going to be tough in the current environment. He made his stand on Iraq, and if he wavers, he's open to the flip-flop charge, and if you don't think Schlesinger or Lamont won't use it, you're crazy. But the war is unpopular in Connecticut, so he's in for a tough road on that front.

Because he's not going to keep all the primary voters. He'll keep some, maybe even most, but he's not going to tap into any Lamont people, not unless Lamont really screws up. So he's got to appeal to Connecticut Republicans, and that's a limited pool.

And yet you are forgetting about the Independents in the state that outnumber both Republicans and Democrats.

Because he's not going to keep all the primary voters. He'll keep some, maybe even most, but he's not going to tap into any Lamont people, not unless Lamont really screws up. So he's got to appeal to Connecticut Republicans, and that's a limited pool.

Look, Lieberman could very well win this thing, but I stand by my earlier statement--he's got to go negative and demonize Lamont to do it, and that's going to be tough in the current environment. He made his stand on Iraq, and if he wavers, he's open to the flip-flop charge, and if you don't think Schlesinger or Lamont won't use it, you're crazy. But the war is unpopular in Connecticut, so he's in for a tough road on that front.
Lieberman's Iraq policy doesn't give him a leg to stand on with CT voters, but going negative is just going to whittle away a lot of his remaining appeal. I don't know how they do it in CT but I imagine the only thing worse to them than a Democrat hawk is an obnoxious Democrat hawk.

And yet you are forgetting about the Independents in the state that outnumber both Republicans and Democrats.
Assuming you're correct, and I don't believe you are, they'd have to break almost completely for Lieberman for him to win, and that's not likely, because it almost never happens.

I'll tell you something else--all the stories about how the Bush administration has been reaching out offer Lieberman any help they can? I'll bet that Lamont will pound him with ads about that, and considering that Bush's popularity is in the 20s in Connecticut, why not? Hell, they've still got that float that looks like the kiss tailing him around.

I'll tell you something else--all the stories about how the Bush administration has been reaching out offer Lieberman any help they can? I'll bet that Lamont will pound him with ads about that, and considering that Bush's popularity is in the 20s in Connecticut, why not? Hell, they've still got that float that looks like the kiss tailing him around.
BINGO. Dick Cheney and Tony Snow publicly lamenting Lieberman's loss should be nothing less than a big red bull's eye.

Care to back that one up?

Seems to me that it would be common sense. I feel confident in saying that most Americans don't really follow the candadite real close. They see "Democrat" or "Republican" and depending on their political views will simply go for their party. I suppose Lieberman could get some name recognition votes but not being endorced by the Democrats will make his chances of winning slim.

Assuming you're correct, and I don't believe you are, they'd have to break almost completely for Lieberman for him to win, and that's not likely, because it almost never happens.

Not all independents have to vote for Lieberman for Lieberman to win. Not all Democrats are going to vote for Lamont just like not all republicans are going to vote for the republican candidate.

Seems to me that it would be common sense. I feel confident in saying that most Americans don't really follow the candadite real close. They see "Democrat" or "Republican" and depending on their political views will simply go for their party. I suppose Lieberman could get some name recognition votes but not being endorced by the Democrats will make his chances of winning slim.

Despite poll numbers that are indicating that he should win a three way race?

Does anyone else think it's a little miopic to focus on this race as being a referendum on the war?

How well has Lieberman actually represented his constituency? What's his personal popularity in the state like?

Does anyone else think it's a little miopic to focus on this race as being a referendum on the war?

How well has Lieberman actually represented his constituency? What's his personal popularity in the state like?

He has done a wonderful job representing his constituency as far as I can tell.

He has done a wonderful job representing his constituency as far as I can tell.
Obviously primary voters disagree with you. Do you have any idea how uncommon it is for a sitting Senator to lose a primary without a major scandal of some sort? It's unheard of in modern times. That should give you an idea of just how much of a political death sentence it is to have Bush hanging around your neck these days.

Obviously primary voters disagree with you. Do you have any idea how uncommon it is for a sitting Senator to lose a primary without a major scandal of some sort? It's unheard of in modern times. That should give you an idea of just how much of a political death sentence it is to have Bush hanging around your neck these days.

Do I have to repeat myself that it was a closed primary? What if the Independents were allowed to vote in the primary. Which way would they have voted? We will find out come november.

Despite poll numbers that are indicating that he should win a three way race?

I would say that polls are infamous for their inaccuracies.

I would say that polls are infamous for their inaccuracies.

I would tend to agree with you.

There are a few problems in this thread that should be addressed.

First of all, unaffiliateds do outnumber republicans and democrats. They are also barred from primaries. Lieberman is very popular among this group.

Second, Connecticut is not as hardcore blue as many would think. We have, and have consistantly had, a republican governor. That will likely change this year, but mostly because our current governor has no direction or ideas, and is running uncontested from her own party.

I would say Lieberman has a good chance at winning. CT tends to not just vote on party lines, as most people don't have a party. Lieberman is also quite popular among the states Republicans. He also only lost the primary by 4%. While many democrats might leave him for the party, I don't think it will be incredibly significant.

Does anyone else think it's a little miopic to focus on this race as being a referendum on the war?

How well has Lieberman actually represented his constituency? What's his personal popularity in the state like?He has done an outstanding job, and outside of his war policies, has represented the people and interests of CT quite well. That is why Lamont only ran on his policy about the war. Beyond that, he and Lieberman are quite similar...The major difference being that Lieberman has alot of power and experience, and Lamont being against the war.

I misvoted.. damn butterfly ballots...

I misvoted.. damn butterfly ballots...
Florida (http://www.americanforests.org/images/globalreleaf/projects/states/florida.jpg)
Connecticut (http://county-map.digital-topo-maps.com/connecticut-county-map.gif)

Florida (http://www.carlabontenrentals.com/images/scenery/3beach.jpg)
Connecticut (http://www.hayinart.org/images/3581.jpg)


and finally, most importantly,
Florida (http://sidewayspony.com/images/trough/production/2006/apr/12/3583_orig_post_2_1144807739_thumb_34905.jpg)
Connecticut (http://www.breagh.com/white/white-family-copy.jpg)

You don't know how weird it feels to actually have an important election in Connecticut. I don't think we're ready for this. :p

You don't know how weird it feels to actually have an important election in Connecticut. I don't think we're ready for this. :p
to be honest, its really just pissing me off now...I can't take people who hear one news story and think they understand the election telling me who to vote for. It gives me a headache.:(


Can we go back to being that obscure plot of land between Boston and NYC?

Anyone else find it amusing that Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman wouldn't endorse the Republican challenger (http://www.crooksandliars.com/posts/2006/08/13/mehlman-wont-support-liebermans-gop-challenger/) in the race? I mean, I'd think that should be a done deal--guy wins the Republican primary, the RNC supports him, right? But not in this race. There's video of Mehlman squirming out of the question at that link above.

So the question is, why? Have they conceded the Senate seat in hopes of holding onto their Connecticut House seats? Or might there be a deal in the cards with Lieberman? Irresponsible speculation, I know, but sometimes I can't help myself.

Anyone else find it amusing that Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman wouldn't endorse the Republican challenger (http://www.crooksandliars.com/posts/2006/08/13/mehlman-wont-support-liebermans-gop-challenger/) in the race? I mean, I'd think that should be a done deal--guy wins the Republican primary, the RNC supports him, right? But not in this race. There's video of Mehlman squirming out of the question at that link above.

So the question is, why? Have they conceded the Senate seat in hopes of holding onto their Connecticut House seats? Or might there be a deal in the cards with Lieberman? Irresponsible speculation, I know, but sometimes I can't help myself.

I would guess the republicans are pushing lieberman right now to make him look like a legit. contender for the seat in the hopes that all he'll do is end up splitting the democrat vote.

If a deal is being cut so much the better though I would love to keep Lieberman in the Democratic Camp just to see them squirm.

It makes sense though since the Democratic Leadership has basically backstabbed Lieberman despite him voting with the Democrats 90% of the time.

If a deal is being cut so much the better though I would love to keep Lieberman in the Democratic Camp just to see them squirm.

It makes sense though since the Democratic Leadership has basically backstabbed Lieberman despite him voting with the Democrats 90% of the time.
Okay, for starters, the Democratic leadership has not stabbed Holy Joe in the back. Many of them supported Lieberman in the primary. But the primary voters decided that Lamont was their guy, so the Democratic leadership is doing what they're supposed to do, which is support the primary winner--something Mehlman seems unwilling to do at this point.

As for that 90% voting record, sure, he's been with the Dems most of the time, but he's been off the reservation on some biggies. The Alito filibuster is one. Iraq War support is another. The bankruptcy bill and the energy bill are a couple of others. And let's not even get into how he wanted to roll o ver for Bush/Cheney in Florida 2000. What's more, he's often provided cover for right-wing talking points. There's a reason he's been praised by Bush and his administration so often--because he repeats their talking points, and stabs his caucus in the back on national television.

This independent run proves one thing about Lieberman--he's in it for himself. He can call himself a bipartisan all he wants, but true bipartisanship involves getting both sides to compromise. Lieberman's a lapdog more than anything else.

And Lamont will compromise? What makes you think that Lieberman is in it for himself? There is no proof of that Nazz. He is in it because he loves his state and the fact that he sees which way his party is going and wants to stop that downward slide. He is not the only concerned Democrat in that regard.

And Lamont will compromise? What makes you think that Lieberman is in it for himself? There is no proof of that Nazz. He is in it because he loves his state and the fact that he sees which way his party is going and wants to stop that downward slide. He is not the only concerned Democrat in that regard.
The "downward spiral" towards not being a clone of the Republican Party?

to be honest, its really just pissing me off now...I can't take people who hear one news story and think they understand the election telling me who to vote for. It gives me a headache.:(


Can we go back to being that obscure plot of land between Boston and NYC?

The place where rich New Yorkers come to unwind, play some golf and build their second home. :)

The "downward spiral" towards not being a clone of the Republican Party?

If the Democratic party drifts to far to the left, they will be rejected by the people. Look at Kerry! There was no excuse for the Dems to lose the Presidential race but they ran a stupid candidate who was running on nothing but Vietnam and got slappedin the face.

One can not be to far to the left in this country otherwise you are going to get burned. The Democratic party is moving leftward and if they are not careful, there will only be one party in America and no one wants that.

And Lamont will compromise? What makes you think that Lieberman is in it for himself? There is no proof of that Nazz. He is in it because he loves his state and the fact that he sees which way his party is going and wants to stop that downward slide. He is not the only concerned Democrat in that regard.

I've met Lieberman. I've heard his name all my life. He's in it for himself. :p

If the Democratic party drifts to far to the left, they will be rejected by the people. Look at Kerry! There was no excuse for the Dems to lose the Presidential race but they ran a stupid candidate who was running on nothing but Vietnam and got slappedin the face.

One can not be to far to the left in this country otherwise you are going to get burned. The Democratic party is moving leftward and if they are not careful, there will only be one party in America and no one wants that.
If they move any further right, there will be two Republican parties in America.

Do you really want that?

He has done a wonderful job representing his constituency as far as I can tell.
How do you know, sitting in Pennsylvania?

If the Democratic party drifts to far to the left, they will be rejected by the people.
No they won't.

If they move any further right, there will be two Republican parties in America.

Do you really want that?
What if the Republican move farther right then? Will you have Republican and Republican lite?

How do you know, sitting in Pennsylvania?

Just because I sit in PA does not mean I do not keep track of my favorite Senators.

No they won't.

The country rejected Kerry. The nation does not want Hillary Clinton as President. Howard Dean would not survive a presidential election. Those are just three left wing democrats I can name off the top of my head.

Just because I sit in PA does not mean I do not keep track of my favorite Senators.



The country rejected Kerry. The nation does not want Hillary Clinton as President. Howard Dean would not survive a presidential election. Those are just three left wing democrats I can name off the top of my head.
Nancy Pelosi, John Murtha, Dick Durban.

There's three more for ya.

the fact that I can name 3 dems who would get smashed in a presidential election, but have trouble coming up with one republican goes to show you what state the dems are in right now.

Nancy Pelosi, John Murtha, Dick Durban.

There's three more for ya.

the fact that I can name 3 dems who would get smashed in a presidential election, but have trouble coming up with one republican goes to show you what state the dems are in right now.
Rick Santorum, Mitt Romney, and Tom Tancredo--three guys actually tinking about running for President who would get smashed in the general. None of those Democrats you mentioned are even considering it.

Rick Santorum, Mitt Romney, and Tom Tancredo--three guys actually tinking about running for President who would get smashed in the general. None of those Democrats you mentioned are even considering it.

Actually, I do not think that Mitt Romney will get smashed and I have no idea who Tom Tancredo is. As for Santorum, I prefer he stick to the Senate.

Rick Santorum, Mitt Romney, and Tom Tancredo--three guys actually tinking about running for President who would get smashed in the general. None of those Democrats you mentioned are even considering it.
Rick Santorum? probably. Mitt Romney? Hell no. Tom Tancredo? Never heard of him.

Tom Tancredo? Never heard of him.

Well then maybe he will get smashed since we have not heard of him :D

I've met Lieberman. I've heard his name all my life. He's in it for himself. :p
I wouldn't say any more than any other politician.

I'm actually supposed to get to meet Lamont sometime in the near future. Lieberman was great to talk to...we shall see if Lamont matches up

Oh...btw...I wouldn't expect to see Santorum running for prez any time soon...

Just because I sit in PA does not mean I do not keep track of my favorite Senators.
lol, I knew you were Corneliu.

The country rejected Kerry.
How do you know that it was due to being left-wing (which he, wasn't, in any serious way - nor is Dean)?

Most of these guys are only called left-wing because they're anti-war.

lol, I knew you were Corneliu.

:confused:

How do you know that it was due to being left-wing (which he, wasn't, in any serious way - nor is Dean)?

Did you see his Senatorial Rating?

Most of these guys are only called left-wing because they're anti-war.

Now back that up!

I wouldn't say any more than any other politician.

I'm actually supposed to get to meet Lamont sometime in the near future. Lieberman was great to talk to...we shall see if Lamont matches up

Oh...btw...I wouldn't expect to see Santorum running for prez any time soon...

Santorum is a psychopath. :p

Santorum is a psychopath. :p

Really? I thought Santorum was the post-coital anal discharge of gay men?

they all suck, who cares
:sniper: :sniper: :sniper: :D

Most of these guys are only called left-wing because they're anti-war.

And Kerry wasn't even anti-war.