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 The Connecticut Senate race is already causing a stir amongst voters. Joe Lieberman was re-elected to run for Senate. He’s a moderate Democrat and Al Gore’s running mate in the 2000 Presidential Election. Democrats are already furious over the war in Iraq so it doesn’t help that Lieberman voted for the war in 2002 and has always supported President Bush. Lieberman is now running as an independent because he lost his party’s nomination to Greenwich millionaire, Ned Lamont. He has gained backing from 5 Democratic Senators and even ex Mayor of NY Rudy Gulliani. Even though he isn’t popular among Democrats he is still at least 8 points ahead in the polls so far.
Ned Lamont has drawn support over the fact that he strongly opposes the war in Iraq. He has endorsed a deadline to withdraw American troops from Iraq as early as June 2007. Although Lamont believes Lieberman is only a celebrity Senator who is out of touch with citizens concerns about jobs and affordable health care, it’s the issue of war that has won him the votes of the Democrats. It was reported that so far he has spent $4 million of his own money to fund his campaign. He is mostly supported by progressive activists, including MoveOn.org which donated over $251,000 from contributors to his campaign. During a 51 minute televised debate with Joe Lieberman, issues such as war, energy policies, and immigration were discussed. Lamont was asked by Lieberman if he would disclose his tax returns and the very next day he did just that. Lamont’s other argument was that Lieberman lacked the courage to challenge the Bush Administration stating that, “If you won’t challenge President Bush and his failed agenda, I will.” Although he is tailing Lieberman, he may gain enough in the end to take the victory.
The Republican nominee, Alan Schlesinger, is a past town mayor who is well known for his low poll numbers and his history of gambling debts. Not a great reputation for someone who is campaigning to represent Connecticut. He is accused of using the alias “Alan Gold” to avoid detection as a card counter. After given an opportunity to address the speculation of a gambling problem, Schlesinger stated that he only used the alias to protect his privacy as a public official. Aside from that issue he has been serving the public for over 20 years and has also been a State Representative for six terms. He pledged to spend $500,000 of his own money to fund his campaign. So far he hasn’t gained much in the polls. He is still in the single digits and possibly isn’t going to do much better even after given the chance to address his position publicly. President Bush even declined the opportunity to endorse Schlesinger’s candidacy blaming the fact that the Connecticut Republican Party has suggested that they do not make an endorsement in that race so they won’t.
Political Betting Odds: Bet on Senate Election for Connecticut at Bodog.com
In the polls so far Lieberman is favored 48-40 percent proving the war is not enough for Lamont to win. Lieberman is somehow able to attract voters from all sides. Lamont has still argued that while Lieberman is an 18 year incumbent, he is an outsider willing to fight for change in Washington which is something Lieberman hasn’t proven yet even with all his experience. Schlesinger’s popularity only grew from 3 to 4 percent in the most recent poll and is not likely to win the election in November.
Political Betting Odds: Bet on Senate Election for Connecticut at Bodog.com
Who will win the November 7th, 2006 senate election for the state of Connecticut: Ned Lamont (DEM), Alan Schlesinger (REP), Joe Lieberman (CFL) or Field (Any Other Candidate)?
Ned Lamont (DEM): 11/10
Alan Schlesinger (REP): 19/1
Joe Lieberman (CFL): 2/5
Field (Any Other Candidate): 30/1 Bet on Senate Election for Connecticut at Bodog.com
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