The Contender

When Ned Lamont, an entrepreneur from Greenwich, Conn., threw his hat into the Senate primary race against Sen. Joeseph Lieberman in March, everyone from his neighbors to the Washington elite thought the bid was not only far-fetched, but potentially harmful to the Democratic Party. After months of gathering crowds on street corners and delivering an anti-war stump speech, he's come a long way.

Taking Off

Lamont says he's eager to accept any speaking invitation. Here, he addresses a group of almost 100 seniors in New Haven on July 26. "I see this crowd and I want to talk about teenagers, so let me start there," Lamont began. Sure, he's offbeat, but by the end of the speech, members of the group said Lamont was on their side about Social Security, education and the Iraq war.

The Net Grassroots

Shortly after Lamont began his run, blogs -- such as Lamontblog, pictured here -- popped up. Lamont admits: "At 52, I didn't know too much about the blogs." But for one of his first campaign events at a pizza parlor, he expected 15 or 20 people to show up. Thanks to local bloggers, Lamont says, "there were 120 people hanging from the rafters." Now, camera-wielding Web junkies stalk him, ready to post updates.

Poll Gains

It didn't take long for Lamont's campaign to gain steam against Lieberman. (In the latest Quinnipac University poll, 51 percent of likely Democratic primary voters said they'd vote Lamont.) The local press picked up on bloggers' enthusiasm for the primary challenge, including the Hartford Courant, pictured here.

It probably doesn't hurt that he can jam.

Bloggers are doggedly covering Lamont's campaign, but they are also helping strategize by propagating a symbol of Lieberman and President Bush embracing. A large paper mache statue of the pair mid-smooch has been traveling around the state since Jeff Talbot of Vernon, Conn., created it on a lark before Willimantic's legendary July 4 Boom Box Parade.

Sealed With A Kiss?

Bloggers also hand out buttons with a photograph of the moment. Lamont's campaign says it doesn't sponsor the buttons, Lamont admits he thinks "it's slightly amusing."

Converting The Loyals

Many of the guests at a Westport "meet and greet" July 26, 2006, have voted for or supported Lieberman in the past. Chris Casey, 18, pictured in front, said Lamont "is not just an alternative to Lieberman, but he's got plans. And I like his plans."

Casey, a blogger at netrootsmovement.com, invited Lamont to speak to family and friends at this backyard gathering.

What's So Funny?

For a guy in a suit, Lamont has an engaging, albeit wonkish, sense of humor. He had guests laughing at comparing the daily costs of the Iraq war and fuel in the U.S. (answer: both are about $250 million).

Lamont has a habit of ending his public speeches with a chuckle-inducing disclaimer: "My name is Ned Lamont and I approved this message."

What's On His Mind?

"I'm all focused on Aug. 8," Lamont tells CBSNews.com. "I'm challenging a three-term incumbent whose bringing in every political chip he's earned over the last 40 years. And I'm a guy who's going to one seniors facility after another and is trying to keep the enthusiasm for our campaign going."