CONNECTICUT POLITICS IS ALL MIXED UP

Although Joe Lieberman is extremely popular among Connecticut Republicans (71% approve of him), Democrats in his state are more discerning (only slightly more than half approve of their state's senior senator). And only Democrats get to vote in the primary between the sluggish, notoriously close-minded, Bush-lovin' Lieberman and the progressive-minded, energetic, non-career-politican Ned Lamont. So yesterday's endorsement of Lieberman by Republican congressman and war hawk Christopher Shays, probably did more to hurt Lieberman's chances than help them.

The Democrat challenging Shays for his shaky seat in Congress, Diane Farrell, has made it clear that, unlike Shays or Lieberman, she is resolutely opposed to Bush's tragic occupation of Iraq. Like Lamont, she sees the wisdom in Jack Murtha's plan to get American troops out from the middle the bloody civil war there as fast as possible. She held her nose and endorsed Lieberman as did all Democratic office holders in Connecticut (although many, if not most, of them hope he loses). Republicans officials there-- and especially in D.C.-- hope he wins. On the war and on many issues Lieberman is as true to Bush's hateful agenda as any neo-con Republican. And on top of that, he's the "Democrat" that the GOP's allies in the mass media can always call upon to sew confusion and make less attentive voters think there is no differences between Democrats and Republicans. Lieberman also curries favor with right-wing pundits and talking heads by always being willing to attack fellow Democrats.


Shays admitted to the NEW YORK TIMES yesterday that he could lose his moderate southwest Connecticut district because of his extremist views on Iraq. "Maybe I feel kind of sensitive on this issue because I'm willing to win or lose on the war in Iraq." That's what Farrell and Connecticut Democrats (except Lieberman) are counting on.

Meanwhile moderates and progressives from all parties, as well as independents, are growing more and more excited about Lamont as his grassroots campaign gathers momentum and people in Connecticut start seeing that the chances to knock the detested Lieberman off in the primary are far better than the mainstream media ever lets on. If you don't live in Connecticut but want to lend a hand, hit this ACT BLUE link and put in whatever you feel like.