Connecticut Local Politics

Nancy DiNardo, Chairwoman of the CT Democratic Party:

I am surprised and disappointed by Senator Lieberman�s choice to support Senator McCain in the 2008 election for President of the United States. For many years, I have held Senator Lieberman�s work and his views as a member of the Connecticut Democratic Party in high esteem, but I consider this choice to be not only a departure from his past practice, but also a departure from the principles that we as a Party hold dear.

Certainly, the Democratic electorate will not support Senator McCain�s stance on important issues such as healthcare for everyone, gun control and women�s right to choose. Although I recognize the right of every individual to endorse candidates of their choosing during any election � indeed, we all value this right as a fundamental tenet of our unparalleled political system � Senator McCain�s policy positions and the fact that we have many bright and experienced Democrats vying for our Democratic Party nomination make Senator Lieberman�s choice particularly baffling.

I continue to believe that our own Senator Dodd best represents the views of our citizenry and provides our greatest hope for addressing the needs of our country, both at home and abroad. I am confident that Senator Lieberman�s endorsement will not impact the 2008 Presidential race, and that our next President will be a Democrat.

How anyone could be baffled by Lieberman’s endorsement is beyond me. Again, he’s been hinting at endorsing McCain for over a year now. Where is the surprise exactly? Surely someone up at Dem State Central had enough sense to realize that Senator Lieberman was likely to do this.

I do agree with DiNardo about its impact though. Lieberman’s actions might make for good television but I highly doubt anyone will be swayed.

Here’s a question: Will Joe Lieberman change his registration so that he can vote for McCain in the primary? He still has time to do so.

UPDATE (by Gabe):

Ask and you shall receive:

Unsurprisingly, the Lieberman endorsement helps with Republicans more than with anyone else…

FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll (.pdf)
20 December 07
Polling was conducted by telephone December 18-19, 2007, in the evenings. The total sample is 900 registered voters nationwide with a margin of error of �3 percentage points. Results are of registered voters, unless otherwise noted. LV = likely voters
Democrats n=379, �5 percentage points; Republicans n=315, �6 percentage points

27. Independent Democrat Senator Joe Lieberman endorsed Republican presidential candidate John McCain� does Lieberman’s endorsement make you more or less likely to vote for McCain for president?
More Less No
likely likely difference (Don’t know)

18-19 Dec 07 17% 17 62 4
Democrats 12% 24 59 4
Republicans 25% 10 62 3
Independents 15% 12 69 4