In For The Win
Joe Lieberman again confirmed he will stay in the Democratic primary and again refused to rule out a runs as an independent.
But as in the past, he refused to rule out the option of running as a petitioning candidate should challenger Ned Lamont win the primary.
"If the unexpected happened, do I want to keep open the option of taking my case as an independent Democrat to all the voters of Connecticut so that they can have the last word in November?" Lieberman said. That's an unanswered question, he said.
Lieberman made his remarks today to reporters after addressing the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce.
Political analysts have speculated that if Lieberman is seriously considering the the petition route, he might be better off bypassing the Democratic primary and directing his campaign to the broader electorate of Democratic, Republican and unaffiliated voters.
As a practical matter, he would have to gather 7,500 signatures from registered voters by 4 p.m. on Aug. 9. to keep his options open to run as a petitioning candidate.
There's a lot of spin on the signature thing. I suspect it can be done even if it is only done in one day after the primary. I am surprised that a signature drive by an independent group hasn't already started using a "draft Lieberman" theme.
That's what I'd do if I lived in Connecticut.
UPDATE: Rasmussen has some poll numbers that make it pretty clear Lieberman wins in any combination.
UPDATE: Allah reminds us, "That would be wrong."
UPDATE: Treachery, thy name is Gore. (H/T Leather Penguin).
