Conn. anti-war candidate weighs run for governor

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CONTENTS:

HARTFORD -- Ned Lamont, the Greenwich businessman who lost to U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman in the 2006 election after beating him in the Democratic primary, announced Wednesday he is exploring a run for Connecticut governor. (More...)
"I gotta tell you, outside the state everybody thought the debate between Sen. Lieberman and me was all about the war in Iraq, but it was really a challenge about how we're doing the businesses in Washington, D.C," Lamont said, explaining that it was also to a great degree about health care, transportation, and the overall economy. (More...)
KatherineinCT wrote on Nov 5, 2009 1:28 PM: " Lamont is fine but what about the fact that the cities and towns of Connecticut have for too long been dictated to by the Governor's office. (More...)
Tom Swan was the high-profile, 24-7 campaign manager for Democrat Ned Lamont's campaign in 2006 that sent shock waves across the country when Lamont upset U.S. Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman in the Democratic primary. (More...)
Stringer Bell wrote on Nov 5, 2009 11:13 AM: " Smart money says Lamont could win. (More...)
Lamont defeated Lieberman in the primary. (More...)
Rell and the Democratic field are not raising much at all. (More...)
The record does not lie for Joey and Hadassa Lieberman. (More...)
Simply put, Connecticut's current Chief Executive is not getting the job done. (More...)
I want Traitor Joe to go. (More...)
Actions must have consequences. (More...)

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HARTFORD -- Ned Lamont, the Greenwich businessman who lost to U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman in the 2006 election after beating him in the Democratic primary, announced Wednesday he is exploring a run for Connecticut governor. Lamont, 55, was a political unknown when he put $16 million of his own money into the race to unseat Lieberman with the help of fellow Democrats who shared Lamont's opposition to the Iraq war. Lieberman later won re-election to his Senate seat as an independent. Lamont told supporters Wednesday in an e-mail and on his Web page that he is considering a run for governor after hearing from residents that Connecticut "is not living up to its potential and too many of our families are still being left behind." He said he will decide in early 2010 whether to declare his candidacy. Without mentioning Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell by name, he said the state's chief executive "is simply not getting the job done." Lamont said after his 2006 defeat that he had no plans to run for public office again, though he added at the time, "I never rule anything in or out." He later went on to become co-chairman of Barack Obama's presidential campaign in Connecticut. Lamont said Wednesday that his background as an entrepreneur and employer would be helpful in Connecticut as its leaders struggle to retain jobs and businesses. [1] Hartford, Connecticut - Ned Lamont, the Greenwich businessman who defeated Joseph Lieberman in a Democratic primary in the 2006 U.S. Senate race, has formed an exploratory committee to consider running for Connecticut governor. Lamont announced his intentions in an e-mail to supporters of his Senate campaign. He says the state is heading in the wrong direction with a weakened economy, fewer jobs and young people leaving the state. Without naming Republican M. Jodi Rell, he says Connecticut's current chief executive "is not getting the job done." Lamont gained national attention when he defeated Lieberman in the Democratic primary.[2]

Put up on a pedestal by many Democrats for his 2006 Senate primary win over Joe Lieberman, Greenwich entrepreneur Ned Lamont is testing the waters for next year's gubernatorial contest. Lamont, 55, announced on his Web site Wednesday that he was forming an exploratory committee for governor, adding his name to a growing list that includes former Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy, former House Speaker Jim Amann and Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz. "Whether it has been health care and the economy, losing jobs, young people leaving the state, or the never-ending budget crisis, we have all seen our state head in the wrong direction," Lamont wrote on his Web site. A message seeking comment from Lamont was left Wednesday at the Greenwich office of his company, Lamont Digital Systems, which wires college campuses for cable. State Democratic Party Chairwoman Nancy DiNardo said Lamont's name recognition would help him. "He feels that he can move the state forward," DiNardo said. "I think we need to have people talking about how the Republicans leading the state have put us in such dire straits, and I think Ned will add to that dialogue."[3] Wednesday, November 4, 2009 2:27 p.m. Ned Lamont SOM '80 annouces exploratory run for governor Senatorial candidate Ned Lamont speaks to the press during his 2006 bid to replace Sen. Joseph Lieberman '64 LAW '67. Prominent Connecticut businessman and politician Ned Lamont SOM '80 announced Wednesday he is forming a committee to explore a possible run for governor next year. In 2006, Lamont drew headlines for his primary victory against Sen. Joseph Lieberman '64 LAW '67. Though he lost in the general election, Lamont has remained a potent force in state politics. He joins a crowded field of Democrats considering a run to unseat Gov. M. Jodi Rell, a Republican. In an e-mail to supporters Wednesday afternoon, Lamont criticized Rell, saying the state is not living up to its potential. "Whether it has been health care and the economy, losing jobs, young people leaving the state, or the never-ending budget crisis, we have all seen our state head in the wrong direction," he said. Rell has not announced whether she will seek another term, but nearly 60 percent of state residents approve of her job performance, according to a September Quinnipiac University Poll.[4]

Ned Lamont defeated Joe Lieberman in the Democratic Senate primary three years ago, although he did lose in the general election. Now, the businessman has his sites on running for governor of Connecticut. He was at Central Connecticut State University on Thursday, talking with students about the advantages of being educated and working in Connecticut. States thrive with strong executive leadership, but job losses continue to mount and young people are leaving the state, he said. He said this state has problems that need fixing and he implied very strongly that he's the man to do it. Lamont has formed an exploratory committee that will spend the next several months traveling the state, compiling information for Lamont to study and he will announce his decision shortly after the first of the year.[5] The full press release is available after the jump. Late Update: Lamont has now made it official, that he is exploring a run for the governorship. NED LAMONT ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE Norwalk, CT - Ned Lamont, successful businessman, co-founder of the state policy center at Central Connecticut State University, and Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in 2006, announced that he will be filing papers today with the State Elections Enforcement Commission establishing an Exploratory Committee for statewide office: "As I have continued to meet with citizens across our state over the last three years, as co-chairman of President Obama's Connecticut campaign and on behalf of health care reform, I have been constantly reminded that Connecticut is not living up to its potential and that too many of our families are being left behind," said Lamont. "Like businesses, states thrive with strong executive leadership, and they fall behind with weak leadership.[6] After being re-elected as an independent, Lieberman's intransigence only increased. He went so far as to campaign against Obama last year, giving a major speech at the Republican National Convention endorsing Republican John McCain. Democrats allowed him to maintain his chairmanship. Last week, Lieberman said he would join a Republican filibuster of a health care reform bill if it includes the option of a government-run plan designed to lower costs by competing with private insurers. He would vote to allow debate on a bill to begin, he generously conceded, but would not allow an up-or-down vote to take place if a public option is included in the plan. What is the point of counting this man as part of the Democratic majority if he will not allow the majority of Democrats to vote on the centerpiece of their agenda? Democrats hold a majority with or without Lieberman, and allowing him to grab headlines for acting like a Republican is a sideshow that benefits no one. He won re-election as the de facto Republican in his 2006 race. It would be harder for him to win re-election in 2012 as a Republican, and against a Democrat with greater party backing than Lamont had, in the deep blue state of Connecticut. Last Friday, Lieberman said he is ready to campaign for Republicans again in the 2010 midterm elections. "I'm going to call them as I see them," he told ABC News. Asked if he would run as a Democrat in 2012, he replied: "That's an open question." It needn't be. It's time for Harry Reid to tell Joe to go.[7] If there were any doubts that Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) was detested by the left wing of the Democratic Party, with whom Lieberman caucuses in the Senate, they've now been unequivocally dispelled. Lieberman's recent foray into the health care debate follows his 2006 primary loss and his stalwart support for 2008 Republican presidential candidate John McCain. While Lieberman's dissent from Democratic dogma had largely been confined to foreign affairs, his latest defections on domestic issues have the left braying louder than ever. Lieberman is correct on the merits, while his lefty critics are wrong in their inconsistent and ad hominem attacks against his efforts to forge a genuinely centrist approach to lawmaking. These attacks are best encapsulated in " Traitor Joe," Paul Begala's cri de coeur in The Daily Beast, where the former Clinton adviser blasts Lieberman for supporting a filibuster of the Senate health care reform bill, which includes a public option, accusing Lieberman of siding "with insurance companies against sick people." Other progressives echoed Begala's smear, using descriptions like "corporate sellout" and "back stabber" ( The Nation's Ari Berman ) or a "wrench in the works" ( Rachel Maddow ). Others have urged Senate Democrats to strip him of his committee chairmanships. These howls ring hollow.[8] As Democrats in Congress make a final push to reform the nation's health care system, there is a predictable but utterly inexcusable obstacle blocking them: Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman, the party's 2000 vice presidential nominee who defected from the party after losing a primary campaign because of his support for the Iraq war. Lieberman was never the most devout member of the party -- he tends to side with Democrats on domestic policy and with Republicans on foreign policy and defense issues -- but his statements during the past week provide good reason for Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada to oust Lieberman from his powerful post as chairman of the Senate's homeland security committee and tell him the Democratic caucus no longer requires his service. After losing the Democratic primary election in his 2006 Senate re-election bid to millionaire Ned Lamont, an underwhelming first-time politician who rode a wave of discontent about the Iraq war, Lieberman used the power of incumbency to continue to campaign as an independent and retain his seat. Ever since, he has been identified as an "Independent Democrat." He maintained his membership in the Democratic caucus, which means he adds to the Democrats' majority and was counted as one of the sixty members that could presumably end any Republican attempts to filibuster major pieces of President Obama's agenda.[7]

Ned Lamont, the Connecticut businessman who defeated Sen. Joe Lieberman in the 2006 Democratic primary only to lose the general election, has now announced the formation of a statewide exploratory committee. Lamont's press release doesn't say exactly which statewide office he'll be seeking, but the language points towards a gubernatorial campaign, with its criticism of the current Republican Gov. Jodi Rell: "Like businesses, states thrive with strong executive leadership, and they fall behind with weak leadership.[6] I just spoke to Ned Lamont, the Connecticut businessman and former Greenwich selectman who won the 2006 Democratic primary against Sen. Joe Lieberman, only to lose to the newly-independent Lieberman in the general election, and who has now formed an statewide exploratory committee for a potential run for governor.[9]

HARTFORD, Conn. — Ned Lamont, the anti-Iraq war political phenomenon who nearly knocked Joe Lieberman out of the U.S. Senate, has turned his attention to next year's race for the Connecticut governorship. While his entry into an already crowded field of Democrats has created a stir in this state, which hasn't seen a Democratic governor for about two decades, it's unclear if the millionaire businessman can generate the same enthusiasm and hype for a run for governor after the 2006 primary victory over Lieberman that made him a national political figure.[10] Several Democrats, including Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz, have already made moves to enter the race and if Rell bows out, state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal could enter on the Democratic side as a powerful contender. Lamont, who defeated Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) in the 2006 Democratic Senate primary, told POLITICO he would likely make up his mind about a bid early next year, but would not let other candidates' decisions about the race affect his thinking. Asked if he would consider deferring to Blumenthal, Lamont replied flatly: "No." "I'm not tactical," he said. "I say I'm gonna get in this race, I'm gonna get in this race." "I knew that I didn't want to wait for her to make the call, be one of these tactical guys who come in when they see a clear field," Lamont said, adding that he had also left messages with Sens. Lieberman and Chris Dodd (D) to notify them of his intentions. Though Lamont, who lives in Greenwich, is best known for rallying the liberal netroots behind his campaign to unseat Lieberman, he said his campaign would focus on his record creating jobs as a business leader in his state.[11]

"I think that (Lamont's) candidacy will further fragment the Democratic Party," said Gary Rose, chairman of Sacred Heart University's department of government and politics. "And that could actually influence the governor and sway her to maybe pursue re-election." Rumored for months to be eyeing the gubernatorial nomination, Lamont, a Greenwich businessman who challenged U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman in 2006, announced Wednesday he was forming an exploratory committee for statewide office. He joins four other possible Democratic candidates -- Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, state Sen. Gary LeBeau, of East Hartford, outgoing Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy and Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi -- along with declared candidate former state House Speaker James Amann, of Milford. George Jepsen, a former state senator from Stamford who helped run Lamont's campaign in 2006, acknowledged his entering the race creates a variety of issues. "It's more complicated all the way around, I think," said Jepsen, who is backing Malloy.[12] "I don't think you win a gubernatorial nomination based on foreign policy, at least not the last time I looked." Lamont, a political unknown who eventually lost to Lieberman in the general election after the senator ran as an independent candidate, announced Wednesday he had formed an exploratory committee for governor under Connecticut's election laws. Lamont has already tailored his message to his new race, touting his background as an entrepreneur and stressing how Connecticut needs someone with experience creating jobs. He said Connecticut, which has been struggling for a year with massive budget deficits and a growing unemployment rate that reached 8.4 percent in September, has been slow to reinvent itself so it can keep jobs. Without mentioning her name, he has criticized Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell — who has yet to announce whether she's running in 2010 — for "not getting the job done." "We're going to get our mojo back," he told a group of students Thursday at Central Connecticut State University, as about a half-dozen reporters looked on.[10] In response to Lamont's announcement, Rell on Wednesday told The Associated Press "anyone that's interested, anyone that wants to do the job and has the wherewithal to do it, then by all means I suggest that they also enter the race." Rose argues that while Lamont has "a very ideological base of supporters" his decision "is really throwing a wrench into this whole thing" and that only benefits the incumbent if she still wants the job. "Her poll numbers are still respectable, even with some of the scandal that has affected her administration recently," Rose said, referring to ongoing questions over whether Rell used a taxpayer-funded University of Connecticut study for political purposes. Patrick Scully, a communications consultant and former media director for the state Senate Democrats, believes Rell will base her decision on personal reasons, not on Lamont's or any other Democrat's candidacy. "But if you're (state Republican Chairman) Chris Healy or any of the other Republican folks, you're happy Lamont got into this because it really does scramble things up," said Scully, who recently launched a political blog. "I think it certainly puts pressure on the governor to make up her mind." The GOP's Healy said he believes Rell is running, but said she is entitled "to take her time and keep Democrats guessing." "I'm not worried about any Democratic opponent," he added, dismissing Lamont as "a liberal looking for something to do in the 21st century."[12]

Connecticut businessman and former Democratic Senate candidate Ned Lamont filed papers Wednesday to create an exploratory committee for a statewide race, a clear step toward a possible run for governor next year. Connecticut's Republican governor, Jodi Rell, has not signaled whether she will seek another term in 2010.[11]

After calling Lamont's Greenwich office Wednesday, the following release came over. It's unlikely that Lamont's going to use public financing, so Republican incumbent Gov. M. Jodi Rell, if she decides to run, could be in for a tough campaign from the Greenwich multi-millionaire. In his release, Lamont said, "As I have continued to meet with citizens across our state over the last three years, as co-chairman of President Obama's Connecticut campaign and on behalf of health care reform, I have been constantly reminded that Connecticut is not living up to its potential and that too many of our families are being left behind," said Lamont. "Like businesses, states thrive with strong executive leadership, and they fall behind with weak leadership.[13] I am 26 years old and nearly a lifelong resident of Connecticut. I supported U.S. Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman in his contested re-election in 2006. I voted for him because the senator promised, even as an independent, to support the Democratic platform on many issues. Most notably, the senator spoke forcefully about his support for "universal health insurance," vowing to get more done than his opponent, Ned Lamont, on the issue. I took the senator at his word. It was with much dismay that I read that Lieberman now opposes a public health insurance option. To me, health care reform is fundamentally a question of how our society treats people when they get sick. Do we make citizens choose between medical procedures and mortgage payments? Or do we all pitch in to help? I want Lieberman, as my representative, to support a public option that will make affordable health care available to everyone. Lieberman promised Connecticut voters in 2006 that he supported universal health insurance. We voted for him on that vow. For the senator to betray his words is not just a political issue. It is a moral one.[14] To be blunt, the reason I'd be happy to see the last of Joe is simple. dereliction of duty. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, he is tasked with the job of providing oversight to the Executive Branch. For EIGHT YEARS, while Cheney and Bush reamed the Constitution, implemented "Versch''rfte Vernehmung", and used "executive privilege" as a means to thumb their noses at those who DARED to questions them. Joe sat twiddling his his fingers. While the Unitary Executive authorized the NSA to "peep" at private citizens engaging in phone sex, at deployed soldiers talking sweet to their spouses, or any other calls coming into the U.S. from overseas. Joe sat on his hands and refused to even call his committee into session. It was a pathetic display of cowardice and/or negligence. Lieberman should lose his seat NOT because he supported John McCain and other Republican cronies (though that is galling enough), NOT because he's invested in the health care status quo, but because he has refused to do the job that the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is supposed to do. He's forgotten that his job is to represent the people of Connecticut, of whom 68% SUPPORT what Lieberman has decided is the last straw to his support for health care reform, i.e. the 'public option'.[8] Nine people protesting in favor of universal health care were arrested for unlawful entry this morning after occupying the office of Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT), according to Capitol Police. Lieberman, who votes with the Democratic caucus, has said he does not support the public option and may join Republican efforts to filibuster the Senate health care bill. These may prove to be just the first of many arrests today, as protesters from the opposite side of the debate meet at the Capitol and flood the halls to confront their representatives. Editor's Note : This post has been revised since it was first published.[15] "We need every vote. He's with us on everything but the war." Now Joe Lieberman has announced that he will not vote to stop the filibuster of any for a health care bill that contains the public option. He justifies this position by saying that a government-run health insurance option will cost taxpayers and increase the National Debt even though the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) forecasts $100 billion in savings thanks to the public option. He further claims that his position is what is best for his constituents, even though polling in Connecticut shows that among likely voters 68 percent favor a public option, while only 21 percent oppose it.[16] In all, the protest lasted about 40 minutes, according to Bryon Wolf of ABC News. "Look at Lieberman arresting his constituents instead of meeting with them," one protester exclaimed. Lieberman (I-CT) has been the focus of health care reform advocates' ire since he suggested last week he would join a Republican filibuster of the Senate health care bill if the bill includes a public option. Lieberman told CBS's Bob Schieffer that he would prefer to do "nothing" than to pass a public health care option, which he says would raise the budget deficit and increase health care costs. Lieberman's vote is crucial because Democrats would need him on side to get the 60 votes they need to break a GOP filibuster.[17] About 20 protesters, carrying signs, took over the waiting room, many sitting on the floor. They told police they were not taking over the office, but rather waiting to see the senator. The police told them they had to leave the office. This happened on the day Lieberman said he would take part in a Republican filibuster in the Senate of any health care reform bill that he does not agree with, and he does not agree with having a public option included in the bill.[18]

The second-ranking Republican in the United States Senate acknowledged on Thursday that he has had conversations with Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn) about the possibility of filibustering health care legislation. Sen. Jon Kyl, (R-Ariz.) told the Huffington Post that he and Lieberman have been talking "on occasion" about the Connecticut Independent's threat to join Republicans in filibustering a bill that includes a public option for insurance coverage.[19]

Sen. Joe Lieberman, Ind-Conn., said on Oct. 27 that he would filibuster Democratic Senator Harry Reid's health care reform bill if it included a government-run insurance plan, or public option. For the politically uninterested, this fact might be irrelevant.[20] Recently it was this same Joe Lieberman, now officially an independent but with a coveted committee chairmanship given to him by his Democratic colleagues, who announced he would use that very same filibuster to stop 35 million people from getting health insurance if there was any public option offered within the health reform legislation. As he no doubt expected, his grandstanding earned him an invitation onto Face the Nation, where he repeated his threat. If there's a consistency to be found here, it's that in both cases, Lieberman seemed to take a delight in undermining the legislative priorities of his ostensible allies in the Democratic caucus. The problem isn't so much that Lieberman is wrong now (though, of course, he is). The problem is that he was right then.[21]

People who gave only their first names are refusing to give their names to the police, seeking to stay in jail until Sen Lieberman pledges to stop taking private insurance company contributions. Lieberman, the Connecticut Independent, has said he will join Republicans to filibuster a Democratic health bill if it contains a public health insurance option to operate alongside the private insurance market.[22] Nine people were arrested at Lieberman's office. That is a reference to Lieberman's decision to support a Republican filibuster of any bill that includes a public health care option. That is a reversal of the senator's position stated just a few days ago.[23] In a statement, Capitol Police said the nine were arrested without incident andthere have been no other arrests today. Lieberman, an independent who caucuses with the Democrats, has said he opposes a public option in the health care bill and would join Republicans in a filibuster to prevent the bill from going to a floor vote.[24] Asked to provide specifics about what was discussed, Kyl laughingly balked. "You really think I'm going to tell you what I tell him and what he tells me," he said. "I'm actually going to go talk to him in about 25 minutes," he added, before saying it likely would not be on health care related matters. The discussions between Lieberman and the Republican whip in the Senate come at a time when Majority Leader Harry Reid is frantically looking for ways to persuade Lieberman to drop his filibuster threat. The 2000 Democratic vice presidential nominee could, potentially, derail the entire health care reform process if he declines to be the 60th vote to pass cloture on a bill. While Kyl has been reaching out to his Senate colleague, the Obama White House has not.[19] Sen. Joe Lieberman (ID-Conn.) is unlikely to face retribution if he votes to filibuster the Democratic health care bill, despite renewed calls from outraged liberals for party leaders to punish him by stripping him of his committee chairmanship.[25]

"I gotta tell you, outside the state everybody thought the debate between Sen. Lieberman and me was all about the war in Iraq, but it was really a challenge about how we're doing the businesses in Washington, D.C," Lamont said, explaining that it was also to a great degree about health care, transportation, and the overall economy. "I was chairman of Obama's campaign here in Connecticut, I traveled the state non-stop for him, and it was the same issues: It was transportation, it was health care, and it was jobs." A lot of Democrats have either declared their candidacies for governor or are exploring it in a manner similar to Lamont: Former state House speaker Jim Amann, Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz, Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy, state Sen. Gary LeBeau, and Ridgefield Selectman Rudy Marconi. "Well on the one hand, I created jobs, made a payroll, paid health insurance, know what it's like to grow a business," said Lamont. [9] Mr. Lamont joins a growing field of possible candidates in a Democratic primary next year: former state House Speaker James Amann, Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, state Sen. Gary LeBeau, Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy and Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi. Mr. Lamont spent about $16 million of his own money in his 2006 challenge of Mr. Lieberman. It purchased him valuable name recognition that would help him if he ultimately decides to make the gubernatorial run. If he does become a candidate for governor, however, he should stay within Connecticut's public financing guidelines that limit gubernatorial candidates to $1 million in public funds for the primary.[26] "Rell would be the overwhelming favorite," Greenberg said. "She's seen as the more moderate, more fiscally conservative." Howard Reiter, professor emeritus of politics at the University of Connecticut, said while Lamont is a "formidable candidate," he has some hurdles to overcome to be a viable candidate for governor. Reiter recalled Lamont's winning a Democratic primary in 2006 against Lieberman but losing the general election when Lieberman created his own third party to stay on the ballot. "Lamont's problem in 2006 was once he bumped off Lieberman, which was a major accomplishment, his campaign just didn't go anywhere after that," Reiter said. "He didn't seem to have thought ahead to what happens once you win the nomination." Reiter noted Lamont also cannot count on support from the same Democrats who resented Lieberman for his unwavering support of the Iraq invasion. "He's running against other Democrats who are not as controversial," Reiter said. "But maybe he's learned a lesson from 2006.[12] Lamont is best known for having won a primary against Sen. Joe Lieberman, who through unpalatable positions made himself unloved by the left wing of the state Democratic Party. Lieberman ran in the general election as an Independent and managed to hang on to his seat; it was here that an irreparable breech occurred. The primary jihad threw into bold relief a split in the Democratic Party those on the left continue to exploit. In the course of his primary battle, Lamont assembled a "kitchen cabinet" that may prove useful to him in a prospective gubernatorial campaign. In the kitchen during Lamont's primary were: Tom Swan of the "Connecticut Citizen Action Group," a left wing organization fathered in 1970 by Ralph Nader and then congressman Toby Moffett; Tom D'Amore, Lowell Weicker's aide de camp during his senatorial reign and later during Weicker's wandering in the wilderness as an Independent governor; Weicker himself, who came out of retirement to plug Lamont's campaign against his old nemesis Joe Lieberman, and the usual suspects in the media.[27]

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Ned Lamont said he has formed a committee to explore a possible run for governor. Lamont said the state was once at the forefront of manufacturing and technology but now he believes Connecticut is in an "economic dead zone." He touted the same message when he ran against Sen. Joe Lieberman three years ago.[28] HARTFORD, Conn. -- Ned Lamont, who defeated Sen. Joe Lieberman in the primary in 2006, as formed an exploratory committee to possibly run for governor.[29]

Ned Lamont, the 2006 Senate primary winner against Joe Lieberman, who won the general election, will announce his candidacy for governor as soon as Thursday.[13] Maybe Ned Lamont always was before the messianic Senate campaign against Joe Lieberman in 2006. He was pretty good. No longer is it U.S. Senate aspirations and the adulation of the lefty blogosphere that drive Ned Lamont; rather it's the nuts-and-bolts of returning Connecticut to its rightful position as a leader of corporate innovation and job creation. Feisty Ned made it clear he's about an attitude that he's honed as the founder of his own successful telecommunications company.[30]

HARTFORD, Conn. — While Ned Lamont's entry into Connecticut's governor's race has created a stir, some question whether the businessman can generate the same enthusiasm he did in 2006 when he challenged Sen. Joe Lieberman.[31] "description":"Last time Ned Lamont jumped into the political ring, the Greenwich businessman caused trouble for Sen. Joe Lieberman. This time, he?s thinking of taking on all who run for governor."[5]

The principle virtue of the "maverick" or pragmatist is maneuverability. Throwing off the bonds that tie him to his party, the maverick can more easily move between ideological lines and snatch votes from the right, left and center - to be sure, at the risk of being disrespected by his base The blood of the far left still runs hot against Lieberman, and Lamont has surrounded himself with friendly Weicker associates. It would be only a slight exaggeration to say that Lamont is Weicker's political afterlife. A Greenwich millionaire, Lamont has lots of money, a few ideas that may propel him in a more moderate direction, much good will on the far left for his yeoman's service in the primary against Lieberman, and a practical political background shallow enough to allow him to present himself to the general public as a "pragmatist." In Connecticut politics, pragmatists are those politicians proficient in fooling most of the people some of the time.[27] "In 2006, the people who participated in the primary were far more likely to support Lamont over Lieberman," Pelto said. "But in 2010, those people have other choices that they're much more comfortable with." Pelto said Lamont could risk alienating his base, whom he refers to as "the non-establishment, progressive liberal activists," if the wealthy candidate doesn't participate in Connecticut's public campaign financing program, seen as a major victory to campaign finance reform advocates. Lamont, who spent $16 million of his own money in the 2006 race, would not say Thursday whether he'll participate in the program. It was recently ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge but remains in place as the state appeals the decision.[10]

In politics -- particularly for candidates like Lamont, who has no previous baggage as a practical politician -- there always will be time for visions and revisions. It will be recalled that Weicker, during in his own career in public office, cut his jib to the political winds; that is what a "maverick" does. Weicker began his career in the senate as a screaming pro-Vietnam war Republican. Only later did the conservative Republican from Greenwich discover the virtue of being a maverick, "his own man" as he referred to himself in campaigns in which he made common cause with Democratic Sen. Chris Dodd and the late Sen. Edward Kennedy. Connecticut Republicans attached by bonds of affection to their party even now -- so fresh is the memory of Weicker's recurring and wounding defections -- would have no difficulty in drawing up a "history of repeated injuries and usurpations" on Weicker's part, as Thomas Jefferson put it in the Declaration of Independence, that forced his party, finally and at long last, to declare its independence of the maverick.[27] Part of the exploratory committee's findings will be whether or not Lamont can raise the money to fund a run for governor. In his U.S. Senate race, Lamont funded much of the campaign himself. Experts believe money will not be a factor in his final decision. Since the Senate campaign in 2006, Lamont has continued to serve as Chairman of the Board of Campus Televideo, a Connecticut company he founded 25 years ago. He is also a professor of political science at CCSU.[5] "I want to be governor, I have ideas, I have a plan, I'm ready to go." Although Lamont spent millions of his own money during the Senate campaign, he could participate in Connecticut's public financing program if he runs for governor.[32]

"I, um, I wouldn't expect that," Lamont said, after a brief pause. "But I certainly reached out to Sen. Lieberman today, if he wants to hear why I'm doing this, and why I think it's important." I asked Lamont how his potential campaign for state office would differ from his Senate run, which focused heavily on foreign policy. He talked about how his Senate campaign was much more than that.[9] Lieberman has also announced he would campaign for some Republicans in the 2010 mid-term election cycle. Although he caucuses with Senate Democrats and ran with Al Gore on the 2000 Democratic presidential ticket, Lieberman has been an independent since 2006 and campaigned for Sen. John McCain in 2008. "Eight people are sitting-in the office of Sen. Joseph Lieberman demanding that he stop taking money from the insurance industry," MHCA declared on its Web site Thursday morning.[17] WASHINGTON -- Nine people were arrested Thursday during a sit-in at the office of Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., to protest his opposition to proposals to create a government-run health insurance program. The protesters marched into Lieberman's office around 10 a.m. and demanded to meet with him. After their request was denied, nine demonstrators staged a sit-in and declared they would not leave until they had met the senator. Capitol police removed them from the office in the Hart Senate Office Building and charged them with unlawful entry.[33] Demonstrators crowded the hallways outside Joe Lieberman's office, voicing their concerns about the Independent lawmaker's stance on health care reform. That was the message about two dozen demonstrators wanted to deliver to Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman in Washington on Thursday. They crowded into the waiting room and hallway outside his office in the Hart building across the street from the capital. U.S. Capital Police asked them to leave.[23] Nine members of a group advocating for single-payer, universal health care briefly occupied Sen. Joe Lieberman's Capitol Hill office on Thursday morning. The protesters, members of Mobilization for Health Care for All, shouted "Everyone in and no one out, universal healthcare now!" as police hauled them away one by one.[17]

I wish it was one only: Joe Lieberman, for corruption (receiving bribes from Big Pharma) and proxenetism (pimping his wife to the health care industry).[15]

Voting in Congress is more important than the American popular vote, but Americans can learn a lesson from Lieberman's decision. They could do a better job at voting on conscience like Lieberman did in this situation. When the individual considers his or her opinion on health care reform, he or she should take into consideration the points Lieberman made. Maybe he is making a departure from his political habits for the sake of the U.S. budget and not just for personal publicity.[20] Americans know about the current economic struggles. A public option would require Americans to pay even more taxes than they already do, which would not only be unfair to the people, but unrealistic for the country. Lieberman also said, according to the Politico report, that he wanted to vote for health care reform, but knew it would increase our federal debt.[20] Only revolution will change things. If Lieberman was smart, he'd have a few body guards around him. I can't imagine what a parent would do if his child died simply because he didn't have healthcare. Lieberman needs to give up his taxpayer healthcare if he doesn't want his constituents to have it. There should be a Bill requiring all Congresspersons to give up their taxpayer healthcare if the vote against a robust Public Option in Healthcare Bill. They should get exactly what they want the American people to get. Lieberman takes money from healthcare insurance companies to keep them in the government plan. The more healthcare the insurance companies can deny, the more money they make. This is the system. Please understand this: They CANNOT MAKE MONEY BY GIVING PROPER HEALTHCARE!! Healthcare Insurance companies are in the government healthcare plan.[17] Even without the filibuster, our system already has more choke points where legislation can die than almost any other liberal democracy. It's rare for one party to control both houses of Congress and the White House, and to have as solid a majority as the Democrats currently do. The filibuster confers such power on an obstinate minority that it distorts the relationship between elections and governance in a way that dangerously attenuates democracy itself. The filibuster may seem like an arcane procedural issue to rail on about (we've already published excellent articles about it in these pages by William Greider and Thomas Geoghegan), but it has serious substantive results. America desperately needs a twenty-first-century social democratic reformation, but no such thing is in the offing as long as the filibuster remains in place. As I write this, there are almost certainly fifty-one votes in the Senate for a healthcare reform bill with a public option and good subsidies, the Employee Free Choice Act, and cap and trade. There aren't sixty votes for any of those.[21] Probably the only thing that would constitute a punishable offense would be, as Jed suggested to me, threatening to filibuster a bill that did not contain a public option. We need to keep Joe Lieberman in the fold so that he can depart from it whenever he pleases.[25]

The protesters are part of a group called Mobilization for Healthcare for All, which has organized civil disobedience actions in cities across the nation. The group targeted Lieberman's office because he indicated he would filibuster any healthcare bill that contains a public health insurance option. "We're focusing on him because he has said he would block the bill,'' said Jason Ortiz, a UConn student from Norwich who is acting as the group's spokesman.[34] I'm guessing that Lieberman has no problems keeping his "public option" of taxpayer-funded subsidies covering his health insurance premiums and costs, while hypocritically denying that same coverage to the same taxpayers who involuntarily pay for his coverage.[8]

The fact remains that big insurance by refusing care to patients and reimbursement to doctors over typos has ticked everyone off. They have a monopoly over the whole process and a well financed lobby team (including Lieberman's wife) and representatives on both sides of the isle. A friend of mine recently laid off just he and his spouse is paying $2,500.00 dollars a month for his COBRA. Health insurance costs more than his mortgage. Anyone taking up the insurance industry's cause doesn't know what they are talking about. If you think the insurance companies are going to voluntarily lower their cost while having a monopoly over the process you are being disingenuous Over 60% of all U.S. bankruptcies are attributable to medical problems.[16]

Lieberman has a plan, too. He wants to give the plan a bit of time before re-evaluating the need for another entitlement. Democrats might think Lieberman is crazy simply because his decision comes at an inopportune moment. Obama has said that he would like to address the health care issue by the end of the year. That gives Congress less than two months to figure out what the plan is if they are going to meet the president's deadline.[20] I've done what Governor Rell has failed to do: I've created jobs, provided more health care, made my communities and neighborhoods safer, and helped lead the way on important issues like green technology and transportation. I've known Ned for many years and consider him a friend. I welcome him into the discussion about Connecticut's future."[13] Simply put, Connecticut's current Chief Executive is not getting the job done. Governor Jodi Rell's approval rating has come down quite a bit this year, but she's still at 57 percent approve/38 percent disapprove in the Pollster.com average. Then again, Lamont didn't shy away from a longshot campaign in 2006, so he may be ready for another challenge.[35] As measured by the loss of jobs, young people leaving our state, and the never-ending budget crisis, Connecticut's Chief Executive is simply not getting the job done." Since the 2006 campaign, Lamont has continued to serve as Chairman of the Board of Campus Televideo, a Connecticut company he founded twenty-five years ago. He is also a distinguished professor of political science at Central Connecticut State University, where he co-founded a policy center which has brought together leading business, labor, and non-profit leaders to formulate a strategic plan for the state of Connecticut. He serves on the boards of Conservation Services Group, a leading provider of energy efficiency programs, Teach for America/CT, and Mercy Corps, an international non-profit organization that focuses on job training and small business start-ups around the world.[6]

Lamont and Cibes are attached at the head. As pedagogical bunkmates at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, they have written together a paper regarded by some on the left, now feinting toward the center, as a program of action that may prefigure Lamont's gubernatorial campaign. Liberal commentators have remarked that Lamont's gubernatorial run will be "different" than his primary.[27]

Reiter said regardless of Lamont's entering the race Rell is facing pressure from Republicans to run in order to avoid the same rush of candidates that has the Democrats facing a potentially rough primary. "If she doesn't run, you're talking the potential for a wide-open primary as the Democrats may have," Reiter said. "There are other Republicans who would love to run and have had that closed off to them." Both Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele of Stamford and House Minority Leader Lawrence Cafero, R-Norwalk, have expressed interest in running if Rell should bow out. Greenberg said another political development this week -- the success of GOP candidates in Tuesday's elections -- may help her supporters entice Rell to seek an additional term. "That's a strong argument to her: 'You'll be more popular than any Republican we have. We're probably going to win, the state looks like it's turning and you can pull in (other) Republican candidates, too,' " Greenberg said.[12] Mr. Lamont endeared himself to anti-war Democrats all over the country despite flaming out in the general election, which Mr. Lieberman won as a petitioning candidate. Now Mr. Lamont has shifted his sights to the executive office in Hartford, occupied by Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell. She has also formed an exploratory committee but has not yet publicly stated her intention about seeking a second full term.[26] Lamont's prosperity ultimately proved meteoric, with Lieberman winning the general election in comfortable fashion with the backing of Republicans and unaffiliated voters as an independent candidate.[3]

Swan, the longtime executive director of the Connecticut Citizen Action Group, personified the Lamont efforts to gather as many anti-war and liberal groups as possible in the Herculean battle that eventually led to a loss against Lieberman in the general election. When Lamont announced this week that he is exploring a run for governor, Swan and CCAG had not yet signed up. "He hasn't asked for our support, and we haven't begun deliberations yet,'' Swan said of CCAG. "We have a participatory process. He's exploring.[36] "I seen my chances, and I took 'em" -- George Washington Plunkitt of Tammany Hall The day after the mid-term elections in which Republicans in Connecticut appeared to have staged something of a come-back, evidence that the party is not cold-stone dead, Ned Lamont announced he was forming a committee to explore a run for governor. The following day, his announcement was wreathed in headlines.[27] Former U.S. Senate candidate Ned Lamont's decision this week to explore a run for governor in 2010 has changed the dynamic of the race for the Democratic Party's nomination.[12] Former Senate candidate Ned Lamont creates an exploratory committee for a statewide race.[37]

The attention grabbing headlines suggest that Lamont's entry into the race will change the Democratic political terrain. There are now multiple candidates on the Democratic and Republican side both in the gubernatorial race and the race for the senate.[27]

Former Democratic state House Speaker James Amann is the only declared candidate for governor so far. Amann, a moderate, said Wednesday he thinks Lamont's possible candidacy would help him by weakening support for the other liberal Democrats who've considered joining the race.[32] Lamont is dropping into the gubernatorial race a little late. Other Democrats, including former House Speaker James Amann, Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz, Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy, state Sen. Gary LeBeau and Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi, have been meeting with local Democratic town committees for months to seek their support at next year's state convention.[10]

KatherineinCT wrote on Nov 5, 2009 1:28 PM: " Lamont is fine but what about the fact that the cities and towns of Connecticut have for too long been dictated to by the Governor's office. This dictates have meant bureaucratic demands that take up resources and obstructs progress. Rudy Marconi, exploratory candidate for Governor and very popular First Selectman of Ridgefield, knows that towns and cities know what they need to succeed; and bureaucratic state directed requirements are preventing them from succeeding. Isn't it time we let the cities and towns of Connecticut be heard? It is no mystery that the state can't be successful without its cities and towns being successful [1] Ben Franklin wrote on Nov 5, 2009 3:23 PM: " More than Lamont as Gov or Dudd as Senator - it is teh CT STATE LEGISLATURE and it LEFTIST policies that have run the State toward bankruptcy and working people being taxed thru the roof so social programs and State/GOV Workers can abound - after all we need to support their ridiculous pensions - we the public - work for them - the public servants!!! This state is nuts! So is CA, NJ. the list goes on.blue states are now being balied out by everyone thru the stimulus to hide their glaring failure.[1]

Perry Mason wrote on Nov 5, 2009 6:17 PM: " Lamont has the backing of the RACISTS rev. Chief wrote on Nov 5, 2009 9:13 PM: " Go ahead and elect this class warfare goon so we can run out the last bit of manufacturing jobs out of the state[1]

I mean that as a compliment. Lamont sans Lieberman sounds like the guy he says he always was: a liberal businessman who wants to be a let's-go-on-offense governor. Interestingly, he would run as a strong ally of President Obama and Sen. Chris Dodd, with an emphasis on education, mass transit, healthcare reform and job creation.[38] I'm outside the political class. I bring a different perspective and background," he said. Rell has not said whether she will run for re-election, but will announce her intentions by the end of October. She would not respond Wednesday to Lamont's comments about her job performance. "As a candidate, if he puts his name in the ring to run, then I think that's the beauty of the process that we have in place here," Rell said. "Anyone that's interested, anyone that wants to do the job and has the wherewithal to do it, then by all means I suggest that they also enter the race."[1] While Lamont's Web site does not mention Rell by name, it states, "Simply put, Connecticut's current chief executive is not getting the job done."[3] As measured by the loss of jobs, young people leaving our state, and the never-ending budget crisis, Connecticut's chief executive is simply not getting the job done."[13] Whether it has been health care and the economy, losing jobs, young people leaving the state, or the never-ending budget crisis, we have all seen our state head in the wrong direction.[4]

Since our 2006 campaign for Senate, I have continued to meet with citizens across our state -- as co-chairman of the Obama campaign in Connecticut, founder of a state policy institute at Central Connecticut State University, and as an outspoken advocate for health care reform. I have been constantly reminded during these conversations that Connecticut is not living up to its potential and that too many of our families are still being left behind.[4] An advocate for health-care reform, Lamont is also founder of a state policy institute at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain.[3]

Lamont is fine but he does not have the grasp and understanding of what towns in Connecticut are feeling under the long run "top down" philosophy of running the State government. As Governor, Rudy will reach out to the towns and cities to hear what they want and need. It is time to stop the dictating down and time to start listening to the towns and cities of Connecticut.[9] Lamont is fine but aren't we tired of the State dictating down to the towns and cities of Connecticut? Isn't it time they are heard and their wants and needs acted upon? Lamont is more of the same.[39]

Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) "needs his vote," one senior Senate Democratic aide said. "It would be counterproductive." They've descended into parody: Reid can't punish Lieberman because he needs his vote, which he won't get. This is nonsensical, even by the baroque standards of the United States Senate. "A great majority of the time, Sen. Lieberman votes with his caucus," Manley said. "This may be one time they disagree."[25] Joe Lieberman is not "with us" on everything but the war. Joe Lieberman's position is against Senate Democrats, against his constituents in Connecticut and against the will of the American public.[16] In 1994, after Democrats lost control of the Senate, Senator Joe Lieberman called a press conference with his colleague Tom Harkin to announce their plan to reform the filibuster[21] According to the U.S. Capitol Police, officers arrested nine protesters in Sen. Joe Lieberman'''s office just after 10 a.m. today inside the Hart Senate Office Building. '''The demonstrators insisted on disrupting office operations after they rejected repeated offers for meetings with both the senator'''s chief of staff and legislative director to discuss their concerns,''' Marshall Wittmann, a Lieberman spokesman, said in a statement. '''After rejecting these meeting offers, refusing to heed warnings from the Capitol Hill police and continuing the disruption, some of the demonstrators were removed by the police.'''[24]

We need action," said Lieberman. The people put under arrest had their wrists bound. Those who refused to walk were carried out. "He needs to decide is he the senator for Aetna or the senator for Connecticut." The only reaction from the senator's office came from his communications director. He released a statement reading. "The demonstrators insisted on disrupting office operations after they rejected repeated offers for meetings with both the Senator's Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to discuss their concerns. After rejecting these meeting offers, refusing to heed warnings from the Capitol Hill police and continuing the disruption, some of the demonstrators were removed by the police."[23] The group's Web site claims that Lieberman is one of the leading recipients of political contributions from the health insurance industry, having collected more than $2.6 million since 1989. Lieberman's office later issued a statement that said the protesters had "rejected repeated offers for meetings with both the senator's chief of staff and legislative director to discuss their concerns."[33] We'll leave when Senator Lieberman meets with us." A Lieberman staffer offered them a meeting but not with the Senator himself. That was not good enough for the demonstrators who sat in the waiting area and clogged up the hall. "If we were the insurance companies he wouldn't be calling the police. My mother died because she lacks health insurance. Officers told the protesters they would get three warnings to leave and then be arrested. "You are also subject the arrest by disturbing these other offices. They understood.[23]

Late update : Roll Call opnbrktsub. req.clsbrkt has more from the protesters. About 20 to 25 protesters from CodePink, Mobilization for Health Care for All and Voters for Peace said they were asking Lieberman to sign an oath stating he would no longer accept money from insurance companies. According to the protesters, Lieberman's staff offered to meet with them, but they were told the Senator himself was unavailable.[15] Demonstrators for and against the health care legislation faced off in the hallway, ABC reports, and left the hallway littered with shredded pages from the bill. Updated at 4:32 p.m. ET :According to Lacy MacAuley, national media coordinator for Mobilization for Health Care for All, her organization sponsored this morning'''s protest at Sen. Lieberman'''s office. The group's website says that Kai Newkirk, the group's national coordinator, was among those arrested.[24] Lieberman has essentially been the key to passing President Barack Obama's health care reform bill.[20]

Not Brad wrote on Nov 4, 2009 8:25 AM: " Brad, even if Sen. Lieberman was in favor of universal health care, only fools and tyrants would vote in favor of it, especially those unwilling to read this disaster but support it nonetheless. Sen. Lieberman is not voting against universal health care, he is voting, as he should, against a truly nonsensical assault on our economy and our freedoms. Don't be fooled by condesending arrogant creeps like Reid, Pelosi, and their handsome, smooth talking frontman, Mr. Obama. Our health and well being are furthest from their minds.[14] Plus, Lieberman is known for being socially liberal. He just has to vote for health care, liberal Democrats would say. Lieberman's stance against health care based on its lack of fiscal rationality is admirable. In doing so, Lieberman is accurately representing the "I" after his name.[20]

Joe is so wrong for this country, but the real story that needs to be brought out, is that his wife, Hadassa Lieberman, is the spokesperson for Breast Cancer, while Joe wants to kill more women by denying health care. Interesting that his name begins with LIE.[17]

Sound fiscal reasoning dicates that the status quo, which Joe and the Republicans apparently accept, is not sustainable and that we do need reform. As for Medicare costing taxpayers, nothing costs Americans more - both in health and treasure - than the private insurance-based system that we currently have. Private insurance is more expensive, less efficient, and provides less care per dollar, not to mention those tens of millions who aren't insured at all.[8] Joe is a sanctimonious A $$ole media ho! He just wasn't getting any attention and figured this would be a good way to make himself relevant again. He has campaigned for health care reform going as far as wanting universal health care and has denounced the filibuster, but what the heck, lest we seem hypocritical, let's just be hypocritical.[8] By joining with them, Lieberman would be tipping the balance of power in order to sink health care reform.[16] "The massive campaign donations and lobbying spending of the insurance industry is blocking real reform that would provide everyone in America with access to health care."[17] The protest was organized by the Mobilization for Health Care for All, a group that supports proposals for a government-run health insurance plan.[33] Single payer eliminates the greedy, killer insurance companies. How many will it take Joe? I would love to see more of this more of this, in larger numbers. Every person without health care, shitty health care, way too expensive health care (that should include everyone except for those that work i congress) should be doing something, anything to keep the pressure on. I understand not everyone can afford to be arrested, and it is tough to make that call as these heroes have done, but call, write, email, march if you can.[17]

Harry Reid has shown great leadership in writing a health care bill that includes the public option.[16] The RCP article you quote shows that AMERICANS want a public option by a 60% margin. This bill raises all of its money to offset its 1.2Trillion dollar price tag by fining Americans and raising taxes on small businesses. Does this sound like a solution that will help Americans in the long run? It does nothing to address the actual cost drivers of medicine - regulation and liability at all levels of care, from equipment manufacturing to getting your blood drawn.[8]

Lieberman is no stooge for the Connecticut-based insurance industry. In the past four years, his fellow Nutmeg State senator, Chris Dodd -- who strongly favors the public option -- has raised $1.25 million from insurance companies out of a total of $7.4 million (or 17 percent), while Lieberman has raised $427,000 from insurers out of $19.4 million (or 2.2 percent).[8] MacAuley says the organization was protesting the fact that Lieberman is willing to block a public option, but accepts money from insurance lobbyists.[24] We know what we want and we do understand. Lieberman IS protecting his interest with the insurance companies. He was FOR the public option before he was against it ( just check You Tube ) and only turned against it when it looked to become a reality.[8]

Lieberman's dispute with the public option is based on sound fiscal reasoning.[8]

Tom Swan was the high-profile, 24-7 campaign manager for Democrat Ned Lamont's campaign in 2006 that sent shock waves across the country when Lamont upset U.S. Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman in the Democratic primary. [36] Lamont defeated Lieberman in the Democratic primary, which forced Lieberman to run as an Independent. Lamont said, "Connecticut is not living up to its potential.[29] Lamont, a businessman and former Greenwich Selectman, came out of nowhere to beat Sen. Joe Lieberman in the 2006 Democratic primary, running on an anti-Iraq War platform.[39]

I never got the sense Lamont had any particular strengths as a candidate except for merely existing as an alternative to Joe Lieberman. I never really got the sense he had any particular following, except bloggers who mostly seem to have just given him loyalty for taking on the hated Lieberman.[39]

Lieberman later ran as an independent candidate and defeated Lamont in the general election.[2] Postmortems of the 2006 race seemed to frequently suggest inherent weaknesses of Lamont as a candidate (such as problems appealing to minorities) may have tipped the race where just the Republican effect wouldn't have been enough. I don't see how any of this is a recipe for even mild success in a gubernatorial race, where local issues dominate, local experience counts, and appealing to national issues or trends won't save you. If anything this seems like running Creigh Deeds for office after he'd already lost a state election once.[39] Tom Swan, who managed Lamont's Senate bid, did not want to speculate on what Lamont's entry into the race means. Swan, executive director of the Connecticut Citizen Action Group, said he was being cautious because the organization may eventually endorse a gubernatorial candidate.[12]

Through a spokeswoman, Lieberman had no comment about Lamont's potential entry into next year's gubernatorial contest. Lamont has stayed on the political radar since 2006, serving as co-chairman of Barack Obama's presidential campaign in Connecticut and hosting Michelle Obama at his Greenwich home for a fundraiser leading up to Super Tuesday last year.[3] A federal judge has ruled that program unconstitutional, but it remains in place while the state appeals the ruling. Lamont said he will "honor the spirit of campaign finance reform" by accepting small donations and refusing money from political action committees, but did not say whether he'll definitely participate in the program. "I've got to see what the law is," he said. Associated Press Writer Susan Haigh contributed to this report.[32] Amann is the only declared candidate, although the others are raising money with exploratory committees. Jonathan Pelto, who has formed a political action committee that's aimed at rallying around a Democrat to become the next governor, said he believes Lamont faces a tough challenge convincing the party faithful to support him over other, more experienced candidates who likely share his stances on many issues.[10] Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy, a likely candidate for governor, today responded to news that Lamont has formed an exploratory committee.[13]

The 2010 election will be the first gubernatorial contest held under the voluntary public financing system. It was implemented to keep special-interest money out of elections and to level the playing field for candidates. Mr. Lamont has not decided yet whether he will use his own money or opt for voluntary public financing if he decides to run for governor. He should use the public financing system, as any reformer would.[26] I would think that if Lamont is the candidate that Dodd would be better off overall. Lamont exites the Democratic base (not saying Dodd doesn't but Lamont rallied progressive to beat Leiberman so that tells you something) and those types of voters aren't likely to vote for Simmons. I think its fairly obvious that any well run campaign will help others on the ballot so a good campaign by Lamont which we know he can run, will be a very big assest to Dodd IMO.[35] "Ned Lamont, of course, was a single-issue candidate back in 2006. When people think of Ned Lamont, they think of Iraq," said Gary Rose, a political science professor at Sacred Heart University. "He has to obviously broaden his message if he expects to win the party's nomination," he said.[10] "I'm on great terms with Ned and I think with others,'' Swan said. Sometimes described as intense, Swan has his own brand of political humor. Another prominent Lamont supporter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that the eclectic group from the madcap days of the summer of 2006 has since split up and gone its separate ways. "That team is not being reassembled in Meriden,'' the supporter said. "It's a different time.[36]

Lieberman is known by some in Congress as an unpredictable voter. He's the only declared Independent in Congress, and he regularly leads Democrats to think he will vote with them, only to vote how he sees fit. Lieberman votes and acts independently, as he should. In confusing political times like these, it is encouraging to see that a congressmen is voting as Americans should - based on personal conscience.[20] If you think the current Medicare system costs taxpayers dearly, just wait till it covers all Americans. While Democrats have touted polls indicating the public option's widespread popularity, RealClearPolitics's Jay Cost devastates those claims, showing that pointed survey questions have skewed results. Red-state Democrats will vote against the public plan because their constituents dislike it. What's most disingenuous about the Democrats' attacks on their former vice presidential standard-bearer is their inconsistency.[8] Democrats are not always right, and the same is true about Republicans. They should vote in favor or against what the majority of the people want. They all think they know what is best for us, they continue to give us no choice and I think it is going to get much worse before it gets better.[8] Rahm doesn't think about Democratic turnout. His reputation for 'winning a Democratic majority' rests on his ability as a self-promoter to take credit for victories that happened in spite of him. The truth is that his 'act more like Republicans' strategy just hasn't worked out, and we're getting whiffs of the disaster it spells for Democrats who follow it.[40]

The filibuster has been reformed before, most recently when the Democratic majority in 1975 voted to bring the requirement to end debate from sixty-seven votes to sixty. As a constitutional issue, the Senate makes its own rules, which means a simple majority vote can change them. It was, after all, Republicans who made this identical argument in 2005 when they threatened to use the "nuclear option" to override Democratic filibusters of their judicial nominees.[21] The Greenwich millionaire's successful challenge of pro- Iraq war incumbent Joseph I. Lieberman in the nationally watched 2006 Democratic U.S. Senate primary is the stuff of political legend.[26] His main claim to fame is losing the senate seat for the Democrats to Joe Lieberman.[37] Joe Lieberman is the biggest opportunist I have ever seen. He's not obstructing based on principle he only wants the attention this 5 minutes will give him. The lesson of Tuesday's election is that politicians had better listen to their constituents or risk losing their job.[8] Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman was the target of protesters today -- some of whom were arrested.[18] I think that Joe Lieberman is what Senators and Reps. used to be. They voted for what they thought was right, not along party lines.[8]

The protesters entered Lieberman's office at 9:45 this morning. They asked to speak with the senator, but were told he was not available. Ortiz said the protestors came to Lieberman's office to demand the senator return all the campaign contributions he received from Aetna through the years. They were asked to leave and when they refused, Lieberman's staff contacted police, Ortiz said. The protesters were still being processed early this afternoon. Ortiz said he did not know what the exact charge was, but said he believes it was criminal trespass.[34]

Lieberman has supported the war. Rose says Lamont needs to broaden his message if he expects to win the Democratic Party's nomination next year.[31] "I'm in the exploratory phase for statewide office as the lawyers have explained to me," Lamont said. "Governor Rell's going to do what she's going to do but at the end of the day you need a stronger hand at the tiller. I mean this state's in trouble.[41] That's what an energetic and at times nearly breathless Lamont declared to students, faculty and other supporters at Central Connecitcut State University Thursday afternoon in the first speech of his "exploratory" campaign for governor. It was a stump speech -- and without notes, too.[38]

Ned Lamont has made it official -- he is exploring a run for Governor of Connecticut.[39] One paper ran a top of the fold front page story: "Ned Lamont May Run For Governor."[27]

All of Lamont's potential foes have already signed on to the program. Douglas Schwartz, director of the Quinnipiac University Poll, said Lamont's personal wealth, coupled with his statewide name recognition after the 2006 race, could help him in a run for governor. "He'll be the big name," Schwartz said.[10]

Rell is likely to not run for re-election and Lamont may be one of the few candidates who could lose to any other Republican.[37] Rudy Marconi of Ridgefield is the only exploratory candidate who will listen to Connecticut's cities and towns. He has an incredible 10 year success record in Ridgefield (a heavily Republican town) and throughout the state.[11] Neddy proved he is a lightweight when he lost to Lieberman. If he is the best gubernatorial candidate the Connecticut Dems can put up, God save the nutmeg state. He is a far cry and an enormous comedown from the late Ella Grasso.[37]

Our senior citizens should have to be fighting this fight on their own, or even for us. In the end they are ones in need and eventually so will we. Lieberman is one more corrupted bastard out their. Thank you people of Connecticut for exposing this bastard by risking even more of your civil liberties because God knows this shit wasn't on the news where I'm from (NEW YORK!!!) Yes, I do care even if I don''t live in Connecticut. That''s what solidarity is all about, caring for your fellow citizens.[17] Lamont is already doing that. He told college students in New Britain that Connecticut needs to reinvent itself and retain jobs. Lamont, who started his own cable company, says he knows how to do that.[31] NBC Connecticut News asked Lamont if he would be a candidate. His response was, "You're on the right track."[5]

Stringer Bell wrote on Nov 5, 2009 11:13 AM: " Smart money says Lamont could win. He had a great deal of support amongst Democrats in the "Anyone but Joe" debacle. If he could garner the same support that he got from those two Commies Dizzie (DNC) and Daffy (Move on dot Org) Dean then he could possibly gain momentum. [1] Lamont captured the nation's attention during the summer of 2006, defeating Lieberman on a groundswell of support from Democrats who were disillusioned with the incumbent's support of the war in Iraq. His victory also put party elders' allegiances to the test, forcing some longtime Lieberman supporters to abandon their loyalties and support the party's nominee.[3]

Lieberman then won the general election as an independent, thanks to the support of Republican voters, and has been bedeviling the Democratic leadership in Washington ever since. Now it's official, that he's got his eyes on the statehouse.[39] "If you're not going to punish someone for endorsing the Republican candidate for president, when are you going to punish him?" another Senate Democratic aide asked. "I don't even know if this is a punishable offense." It's not.[25] Actually I think getting rid of the GOP governor is a first priority, THEN move on to the Senate, which is probably what Blumenthal's thinking. At least I hope so. I'd like to make the most of our good Dem candidates, and not have them wasting campaign money fighting each other.[6] Cause if she does, any politician with 57% approval (and in today's poor environment for Governors, no less) isn't likely to be fired by the voters. Anyway, I suspect he has enough residual good will left over from '06 to run a strong campaigns. He's probably already done private polling to verify that one way or the other. Plus hopefully he won't be making rookie mistakes like last time.[35]

Read that Moody's report that just came out. They gave us a failing grade, they described us as something like a slow motion fiscal car wreak," Lamont said. Lamont says both the Governor and legislature share some blame for the current budget problems. "Look I come from the business world where you have a CEO and I hold the CEO accoutable, but at the end of the day, yeah, I challenged both political parties three years ago. I thought they were both wrong on some big issues and I'm going to challenge both political parties again," Lamont said.[41]

This is good. We've got Linc Chafee running as a decidedly non-GOP Indie for gov in RI and now Lamont running in CT. Both guys deserved Senate seats but both got beaten in last year's craziness.[6]

The ones not arrested moved to a hearing of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on financial crime, which was being chaired by Lieberman.[15] Lieberman has been a vocal opponent of proposals for a government-run health insurance program now being considered as Congress grapples with health-reform legislation.[33] Joe has not problem letting the taxpayers pay his salary, pay for his families health insurance, pension, mortgage, hange out in congress for years on our DIME, never had a Real Job as other in congress just do what ever it takes to keep taxpayers paying for his family's daily living.[8] "I'm for health insurance reform. That's why I told Senator Reid I wouldn't block beginning the debate on it.[23]

If you're worried about the deficit, remember that without fundamental reform, health care costs will grow exponentially in the years ahead, exploding the deficit even further.[14] If Lieberman gets in the way on health care, that would give Ted plenty of motivation.[6]

Lamont defeated Lieberman in the primary. How, he said he is focused on a statewide position. [28] Lamont probably could make a race of this just as well as anyone else that we currently have running. Not only did he defeat Leiberman in the primary, he got 40% of the vote and that was with Leiberman taking 33% of the Democrats.[35] Lamont started a grassroots campaign, which energized tens of thousands of new voters to register as Democrats.[29] Hartford (WTNH) - Ned Lamont may be hitting the campaign trail sooner than expected.[41] More checks and balances between the Dems and Repubs. "it's my own money" I'm Ned Lamont and i withdrew $250,000 from an account and don't need anybody.[1]

Rell and the Democratic field are not raising much at all. Lamont would certainly change the dynamics of this race financially. [35] Possibly Bill Cibes, who ran for governor on a pro-income tax plank and was soundly rejected, may have been floating around the Lamont camp under deep cover.[27] Lieberman's reason for opposing the bill makes sense. According to a politico.com report, Lieberman said he would oppose the bill "even with an opt-out because it still creates a whole new government entitlement program for which taxpayers will be on the line."[20]

Love the photo. that's the face 99% of the people make when you mention the name Joe Lieberman.[15] The nationalization of 1/6 of our economy under the control of a bunch a retards that can't handle a simple rebate program. Joe Lieberman knows this, he sees this, he gets it. If only there were more of his kind around during the days of FDR and LBJ. Maybe we wouldn't have $53 trillion in unfunded liabilities in social security and medicare.[8]

The record does not lie for Joey and Hadassa Lieberman. I shudder to think of this man as vice president of any entity except an insurance company. [8] "And I think the filibuster has become not only in reality an obstacle to accomplishment here, but it is also a symbol of a lot that ails Washington today." Lieberman and Harkin's proposal to weaken the filibuster came to a floor vote and was overwhelmingly defeated by both parties.[21]

Sabrina wrote on Nov 5, 2009 8:36 AM: " I think he has a bright future in politics I believe he can become a Governor, he is a decent young man with great ideas to benefit the people[1] TheVolleyballGod wrote on Nov 5, 2009 10:29 PM: " O god Ned please stay away, nobody loves you, even Lieberman beat you.[1]

We need to push the leaders of the Democratic caucus to take a tough stand against Lieberman.[16] Former Democratic state House Speaker James Amann is the only declared candidate for governor so far.[1] James Amann is the only candidate who officially announced that he is running for Governor. The other four are currently in the exploratory committee phase of their campaign.[6]

The kitchen cabinet active during Lamont's senatorial campaign is being reassembled.[27] When asked about being Lamont's campaign manager, Swan said there wasn't even a campaign yet.[36]

Simply put, Connecticut's current Chief Executive is not getting the job done. Over the next few weeks, I look forward to continuing these conversations with voters across the state. [4] "We've been dead-last in job creation. All the young people are leaving the state," he said.[11]

I want Traitor Joe to go. Not for lack of 'purity' like the 'baggers insist on from their insurgents, but because past performance tends to predict future performance. Let's face it, Joe doesn't have the best record in upholding his obligation to represent the people of Connecticut. [8] Lieberman is a useless waste of space but the fact that so many Democrats still like him and work with him despite his obvious self-righteous wingnut status tells you just how little the two major parties differ. Dem or Repub, it makes no real difference as most of them serve only the wealthy corporate interests at the expense of us all.[17] Nine health-care reform proponents were arrested this morning when they refused to leave Sen. Joseph Lieberman's Washington office.[34]

Actions must have consequences. Any senator who filibusters the public option does not deserve a chairmanship and should be removed from his or her post. [16]

SOURCES

1. Lamont considering gubernatorial run- The New Haven Register - Serving New Haven, Connecticut
2. Lamont Forms Exploratory Committee For Governor - Connecticut Hartford - WKRG.com
3. Former Senate contender Lamont to test waters in governor's race - The Connecticut Post Online
4. Yale Daily News - Ned Lamont SOM '80 annouces exploratory run for governor
5. Lamont Could Run for Gov. | NBC Connecticut
6. Ned Lamont Announces Statewide Exploratory Committee | TPMDC
7. Oregon Daily Emerald - Dems, cut ties with Lieberman
8. Sen. Joe Lieberman'''s 'traitor' haters - Michael M. Rosen - POLITICO.com
9. Ned Lamont: Why I'm Exploring A Run For Governor | TPMDC
10. The Associated Press: Conn. anti-war candidate weighs run for governor
11. Ned Lamont pursuing gubernatorial campaign - The Scorecard - POLITICO.com
12. Lamont scrambles Dems, but what does that mean for Rell? - The Connecticut Post Online
13. Lamont explores run for governor - The Connecticut Post Online
14. LETTER: Stand on health care different as candidate- The New Haven Register - Serving New Haven, Connecticut
15. Nine Universal Health Care Supporters Arrested At Lieberman's Office | TPM LiveWire
16. Politics Plus: Action Alert: Joe Lieberman Must Go!
17. Health care advocates arrested at Lieberman's office | Raw Story
18. Protesters fill Lieberman's office, angry over his health care stance | NECN
19. Kyl: I've Talked With Lieberman About His Filibuster Threat | AlterNet
20. Citizens should imitate Lieberman's conscience vote - Opinion
21. What Ails the Senate
22. Raw video: Health care protesters storm Lieberman's office | NECN
23. Health care demonstrators arrested outside Lieberman office | NECN
24. Nine protesters arrested at Lieberman's office - On Politics - USATODAY.com
25. Daily Kos: State of the Nation
26. Ned Lamont: A Candidate For Governor? -- Courant.com
27. PESCI: Lamont'''s chance - The Middletown Press : Serving Middletown, CT
28. Lamont Forms Committee For Possible Run - Politics News Story - WFSB Hartford
29. Lamont May Run For Governor - Politics News Story - WFSB Hartford
30. Mojo Ned resurfaces, no sign of Lieberman - Rick Green | CT Confidential
31. The Associated Press: Conn. anti-war candidate weighs run for governor
32. Lamont considering bid for Conn. governor - NewsTimes.com
33. Health-care protesters at Lieberman's office arrested - The Connecticut Post Online
34. UConn student among those arrested at protest at Lieberman's DC office - Capitol Watch
35. Swing State Project: CT-Gov: Lamont forms exploratory committee
36. Tom Swan Not Yet Endorsing Ned Lamont For Governor - Capitol Watch
37. Ned Lamont moves toward gubernatorial run - Alexander Burns - POLITICO.com
38. Ned Lamont 2.0: 'We are going to get our mojo back' - Rick Green | CT Confidential
39. Lamont Officially Exploring Run For Governor Of Connecticut | TPMDC
40. seafan's Journal - Hamsher: Lessons Learned in VA, CA and NJ: Is Rahm Emanuel Orchestrating 2010 Democratic Massacre?
41. Lamont: In exploratory phase for Gov. | WTNH.com Connecticut

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