Aug. 9, 2006
Dems Back Lamont, Shun Lieberman Bid
Give Full Support To Primary Winner, Wary Of Senator's Independent Run
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Play CBS Video Video Sen. Lieberman Is War Casualty Sen. Joe Lieberman was defeated in Connecticut's Democratic Senate primary in what became a referendum on his support for the war in Iraq. Trish Regan reports.
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Video Impact Of Lieberman's Defeat It now looks like the Iraq war could be the key issue in the battle for control of Congress. As Jim Axelrod reports, candidates on both sides are staking out their positions.
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Video Lieberman Has Uphill Climb Maurice Carroll, director at Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, talks about Ned Lamont's win in Connecticut and the uphill battle Lieberman has ahead of him as an independent.
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(AP / CBS)
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Three-term U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., pumps his fist at supporters as his wife, Hadassah stands behind him at the conclusion of his election night campaign event at the Goodwin Hotel in Hartford, Conn., Aug. 8, 2006. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
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Ned Lamont gives his victory speech, Aug. 8, 2006, in Meriden, Conn. He defeated incumbent Sen. Joe Lieberman in the Democratic primary. Lieberman said he will run as an independent. (AP)
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Sen. Joe Lieberman concedes defeat in Hartford, Conn., on Aug. 8, 2006. He had the support of several key Democrats in the primary campaign, but as an independent candidate that will be less likely. (AP)
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A lot of big names lined up behind Ned Lamont. Above, at the Lamont victory party are, from left, the Rev. Al Sharpton, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Lowell Weicker, who is a former governor and a former U.S. senator. (AP)
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Interactive Campaign 2006 Complete coverage and analysis of Senate and key House races, plus gubernatorial elections.
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Interactive The 109th Congress Meet the leaders and follow the action in the House and Senate.
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Photo Essay The Contender Take a trip on the campaign trail with the maverick Democrat who's taking on Sen. Joe Lieberman.
In a written statement issued in Washington, Sens. Harry Reid of Nevada and Chuck Schumer of New York, the party's leader and the head of its campaign committee, said they "fully support" Lamont.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is also throwing her support behind Lamont.
"Voters in Connecticut and across the nation are seeking a new direction to make America safer, our economy stronger, and to broaden opportunity for all," Pelosi said in a statement. "I respect the decision of the voters and endorse the Democratic candidate, Ned Lamont, and look forward to working with him for a great congressional victory in Connecticut."
Connecticut Democratic leaders tossed aside their longtime friendships with Lieberman Wednesday, pledging to support primary winner Ned Lamont over Lieberman's independent campaign this fall.
"This is a difficult moment," said Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., who waited with Lieberman on Tuesday night as the returns came in. "He's made a decision to run as an independent. I regret that decision, but it was his decision to make."
Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., is also making the switch, even though she, like her longtime ally Lieberman, supported President Bush's decision to invade Iraq, CBS News correspondent Trish Regan reports.
"I've already spoken to Ned Lamont. I've already offered him financial help as well as any other help that he needs," Clinton said.
Lieberman said he was not bothered by losing the support of his Democratic peers, noting he lost Tuesday's primary even with their support.
"I think it would be irresponsible and inconsistent with my principles if I were to just walk off the field," Lieberman said in an interview with The Associated Press.
"I'm not sure if Lieberman understands the fact that he is now on his own," explained Maurice Carroll, director at Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. "The biggest obstacle is he is not a democrat. And, also, he's tarnished. He lost. You're not supposed to lose in politics."
His campaign had collected more than 18,000 signatures, more than twice the 7,500 needed to secure a spot on the November ballot. If approved, that would set up a three-way race for the fall among Lamont; Lieberman, a supporter of the war, and Republican Alan Schlesinger.
Final primary returns showed Lamont defeating Lieberman 52 percent to 48 percent.
"I believe as the race closed here in Connecticut, (voters) got a better sense of the true position I have going forward on Iraq, and we closed strong," Lieberman told CBS News' The Early Show Wednesday. "And we're going to keep on closing right through, to a victory in November. This is an important and exciting opportunity for me."
Reid and Schumer, however, stopped short of calling for Lieberman to reconsider.CBS News/NY Times Exit Poll
CBS's Christine Lagorio, tracking the Lamont campaign
Making his case: photos of Lamont and his supporters
"The Democratic voters of Connecticut have spoken and chosen Ned Lamont as their nominee," said Reid and Schumer, who said they "fully support" Lamont's candidacy and congratulated him on the victory and a "race well run."
"I hope that over the course of the coming days, Joe's friends, neighbors and constituents will prevail upon him to reconsider and unite with Democrats across Connecticut who voted for change tonight," Lamont's campaign said in an e-mail sent out late Tuesday night.
Asked Wednesday if there was anyone who could call and get him to change his mind, Lieberman replied:
"Respectfully no. I'm committed to this campaign," he said in an interview on NBC's "Today" show.
©MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

CBS News/NY Times Exit Poll
CBS's Christine Lagorio, tracking the Lamont campaign
Making his case: photos of Lamont and his supporters
The secrets of tennis legend 



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See all 57 CommentsPolitics does not come down to one individual and what he thinks he/she is, or ought to do as long as they belong to a party. We should keep in mind the dangers of thinking we are the chosen ones, or the most able to get the best or right results.
The Democratic voters in Connecticut have decided to elect someone else to represent them in the Senate. Being a Senator is mostly about who the voters trust and think should be their representative in addressing their issues and take action on their behalf. Clearly, they do not want Lieberman to play that role any more.
Most people were expecting him to react with grace, unselfishness, and dedication to his party by accepting that Lamont won, offering his support in helping him fulfill his new mission in advancing the democratic agenda while playing another strategic role; being a Senator should not be an end in itself. It is time for new leaders to emerge and for new ideas to be tested as they may lead to better solutions for all.
In terms of bipartisanship, working across party lines should not be about joining the other party%u2019s decisions; it is about what would be the best for the state of Connecticut and the 83% of the US population who live from pay check to pay check, and ultimately what should be the United States of America as world leader.
Now watch the Republicans support his independent candidacy even against their own candidate in the CT, he may even switch parties to the Republican Party if he wins in November as an independent.
Actually...in all reality...it is quite...quite...sad...
The dems are the party of the ignorant...it is how they garner votes...it is how they win elections...gloom and doom...if we say it...they will believe it...
lol...
They say that sooner or later, most former Presidents would like to tip their hats to the other side of the aisle, so here is a chance for Bull Moose Bill to plow a row for Connecticut Joe.
To Democrats Sens Reid and Schumer, who are saying that this election was more about President Bush than about the Democratic Party, it should be suggested that this new independent campaign by Sen. Joe Lieberman is not about the days of old but rather about whether a senator from Connecticut is willing to take a stand for the good of the country regardless of which political party holds the White House or the Congress.
I think this has what happened in Congress in general, although there are probably a few exceptions.
Representatives are interested in their constituents only so far as that furthers their primary goal: to stay in office and keep their cushy, perk-filled jobs.
Pretty pathetic state of affairs.
After 6 tough years of Bush, the lies are starting to wear very thin. I don't know how people can buy into the lies and deceptions of guys like Limbaugh and Hannity. My gas and mortgage expenses are way up this year...while corporate profits are to insane levels. And Bush's solution? Cut their taxes???? Give me a break!
The only reason Bush was elected in '04 was the religious right. He's their boy.
Voters need to stop bush and give the senate and congress over to the democrats this fall. Please vote!!!
In 2000, we had Ralph Nader who took many critical votes away from the Democratic Candidates. Joe Lieberman was the Vice-Presidential Candidate then and the loser in that election.
It seeems that he has not only not learned from that defeat but out of a sheer sense of Bloody-mindedness, decided to stand in the elections as an Independent. Does he not have the sense to realise that his standing in the elections is no different from Ralph Nader in 2000 and will have the same effect on Ned Lamont?
What a sore loser!
Pat
Wow...
One wonders how long the lunatic right can sputter, whine and moan as their margins are chopped away across the country by the incompetence of their Chief Bozo, Mr. Bush. Lieberman continues the erosion of GOP assets, as American voters register a referendum on Bush.
Americans are learning fast not to trust right-wing demogoguery-- the direst threat to the security of this country. As for the GOP, it is beginning to find out the hard way that bluster, lies and 16th century politics of privilege are not enough.
But Bush is a maniac opportunist under a threat, political or otherwise. He will provoke a wider war in Iraq, simply to justify himself in the name of national security. With a defender like Bush, who needs enemies?
IT is time.....
%u201CLet%u2019s Roll%u201D!
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