Lamont’s Legacy?
Uh oh. If this happens, there's a few people who might want to hide after the elections. The Associated Press is reporting that some Democratic operatives are very nervous in Connecticut. There is a very real fear that Joe Lieberman might energize and get out the Republican and Independent voters.
And carry some Republicans over the finish line on his coattails.
The three-term Connecticut senator is aggressively pursuing Republican and independent voters in his race against Democratic nominee Ned Lamont and little-known Republican Alan Schlesinger. That targeted appeal — and the potential for a strong GOP turnout — could save three GOP House incumbents struggling to return to Washington.
"There's resentment on a lot of people's parts," said Richard Smith, Democratic town committee chairman in Milford, a New Haven suburb. "There's something about the American character. We love a good fight, but we also love people who play by the rules. C'mon Joe, you're a Democrat or you're not a Democrat. Sometimes, self-interest takes the day."
Reps. Christopher Shays, Nancy Johnson and Rob Simmons — GOP moderates in a Democratic-leaning state — have been on everyone's vulnerable list for months. Democrats need to gain 15 seats to win the House, and the three Connecticut districts consistently have been part of the calculation.
Lieberman has the support of 73 percent of Republicans and 51 percent of independents, according to a Quinnipiac University survey released Wednesday. Schlesinger trailed far behind in single digits in the head-to-head matchup.
Lieberman's coattails could carry the GOP incumbents to re-election and undercut Democratic hopes of majority control of the House.
"It does help me," Shays said in a recent interview. "I know there will be a lot of Republicans who will vote for him, as well as a lot of independents and Democrats. … Joe is the kind of person who reaches across the political divide, and I am like that as well."
Shays is running neck-and-neck against Democrat Diane Farrell in a district that includes affluent New York City suburbs such as Greenwich and Westport. It's a rematch of a bruising fight that Shays survived by just 4 percentage points two years ago.
Now, this could well just be a spin piece to scare supporters away from the Republicans. I think there is a real risk, however. And despite the spin that the reporter puts on it - that people will be angry at Lieberman - I suspect there will be another target of that anger. I noted earlier that the finger pointing was already starting. This would be major ammunition in the coming internal battles among the Democrats.
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Blue Crab Boulevard » Blog Archive » The Democrat’s Problem — Wednesday, 1 November , 2006 @ 7:59 pm
By Puggsthegrey, Wednesday, 1 November , 2006 @ 2:02 pm
I think you’re correct, that anger will find another target, not Leberman. A couple of reasons, first, when a republican, or independent runs out as a third party choice, the angry democrats are beside themselves with joy at the thought of splitting the rights vote. That in this case it splits theirs is over the line?
no, rank and file voters don’t get mad at you for just getting your name on the ballot. Another choice for them, so they won’t get mad about it.
Now, the angry democrats they mention would vote for Lamont no matter what anyway, they are the hardest of the leftwing so for them everything is about anger and vengence.
These same angry dems, did they get mad at Perot? Anderson?… no, clearly not. They’re just angry that their attempt to control the election is proving elusive. If Joe wins, it shows that a majority do like him and his positions better. Kos and his dolts can cry all night, it changes nothing. Joe is more popular, and they can’t stop people from making that choice even if it violates the hard lefts rule about thinking in lockstep.
By Diva, Wednesday, 1 November , 2006 @ 3:37 pm
‘ve always liked Senator Lieberman and I am hoping that he does win big.