So, a local blogger challenged me to write about Joe Lieberman and the contested primary in Connecticut.
Here is the basic run down: Joe Lieberman has been called all sorts of names like Fox News Democrat, George W. Bush's favorite Democrat, and an enabler. If you want a quote that makes the Democratic Party look bad call Joe. He has been hanging out at parties for all the cool right wing people across Washington. And now it is primary time back home.
Joe Lieberman is running against Ned Lamont for the Democratic Nomination. Ned has promised to support and endorse Joe is he wins. But Lieberman has not returned the pledge. In fact, if Joe loses he is thinking about running as an independent creating a three way race and helping the chances of the Republicans.
Democrats are going nuts. They attack Joe for not being loyal to the party and Joe responds by threatening to leave the party. I think he is sealing his own doom. If he pledged to remain, he'd most likely win his primary. Now he calls into question his connection to the Democratic Party.
Now, this is how this issue gets local. Has Bob Larkin endorsed Audra Strickland? Has Michael Tenenbaum endorsed Elton Gallegly? Has Mary Pallant and Brett Wagner endorsed Jill Martinez? And the big question: Will Judy Mikels endorse anyone for county supervisor?
In politics loyalty matters. But does it show disloyalty not to endorse your own party members if you are bitter at a loss? Have American voters become more partisan?
Let me tell you what I think. If Joe Lieberman said he'd keep the party united I'd vote for him. If he wants to be bitter if he loses, I would not vote for him. I hate spoilers. Does Lieberman think Florida was stolen? If so, why is he so chummy with Bush? I think Lieberman should win his primary, but he might be able to snatch a loss from from the jaws of victory.