Lieberman To Start Petition Drive for Position on Ballot as “Independent Democrat”
by Pamela LeaveyJoseph Lieberman will announce today that he will petition to stay on the November ballot as an “independent Democrat.” A petition will give him a chance to “stay alive politically should he lose an Aug. 8 primary for the Democratic nomination.”
Lieberman, 64, a three-term senator whose outspoken support of the war in Iraq has brought months of grief and inspired a strong primary challenge from Greenwich businessman Ned Lamont, intends to announce his decision this afternoon at the State Capitol.
Even should he lose in August — and the most recent public poll shows him leading Lamont by 15-percentage points among likely primary voters — Lieberman would retain his status as a registered Democrat, but his name would not appear on the ballot line with other Democrats.
Lieberman began making courtesy calls to leading Democrats late this morning.Most other Democratic candidates already have said they would support the winner of the Aug. 8 primary.
For months, Lieberman has refused to rule out running as petitioning candidate should he lose the primary, though he said recently he would not withdraw from the primary under any circumstances.
Lieberman will need to gather 7,500 signatures to guarantee a ballot place, an effort likely to begin next week.
“While I believe that I will win the Aug. 8 primary, I know there are no guarantees in elections,” Lieberman told reporters on the steps of Connecticut’s statehouse. “No one really knows how many Democrats will come out to vote on what may be a hot day in August.”
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Lieberman saw he was losing so he takes the wimpy way out.You know folks he may just split the vote and give the seat to the Republican…..You know I draw no pleasure from this,if you lose a primary that should be it,or don’t run in the primary,or even switch parties.I could see Chaffee doing the same in Rhode Island,so that’s why this thing is bad for democracy in my opinion……I have railed against DINOS and RINOS for this very situation,no wonder Gore won’t endorse him!
I just don’t think you should have two bites at the apple.
None if this makes any sense to me. Why would he be considering running as an indepedent, when he has 15 point lead just a month before the election? It doesn’t sound to me that he even has a chance of losing the primary.
Sandra it’s about turn-out.Even if Lieberman leads in the polls,an off year primary voter will be very commited.That is why he is taking no chances.The Conneticut Democrats are not happy campers right now.
Darth
I’m no Joe fan, but I do respect his record on the environment. He’s keeping his party status from what I understand, petitioning to run as an independent Dem.
In CA we have Steve Westly still campaigning for Gov, although Angelides won the nomination. Seems to be a lot of this going around.
Pamela,I thought there were laws against that sort of thing.That’s why in 2000 when McCain started to lose the primaries he was thinking about bolting and going third party.Of course it was a huge help when ol “Pitchfork Pat”did that.It raised my parties IQ quite a bit.:)…..So that’s why it will be a big mess if the loser in a primary just runs because he did not EARN it.
Darth
I don’t know if there are laws against this. States all have their own laws on election – which is part of the problem with our electoral system.
Pamela,I looked over at the KOS ,and they are furious…..I like Lieberman’s stand on the war,but not this thing.He should go to his voters and argue for it.
Darth
They are furious on Kos because Lamont is their darling. They are pushing Lamont hard and may forget that CT has moderate voters who may continue to support Joe. With a 15 point lead in the polls I too find it odd that Leiberman did this. Oh well.
Pamela he was the VP candidate.That’s crazy.Still Chaffee may do the same.Call me old fashion,but you have to win among your own first.
Darth
I hear you. I don’t see this boding well at a time when Dems need to hold on to seats they have. As you said it could give the Repubs a chance to slip their guy in.
Pamela ,Dodd is in a real tight spot.He wants to run for President,but he wants to support Lieberman.
Lamont has really pulled Lieberman’s tail.!
I would vote for Lamont out of principle.I know he’s a liberal,but the voters deserve their choice…..Cnn is grilling Lieberman big time.
Darth
Maybe there’s a chance we can break you of your bad habits after all.
Pamela,I admire anyone who plays by the rules even if I really disagree with them.I don’t care for party-switchers unless they quit,then run for the election.I know nothing of Lamont,but he deserves to be nominated and elected ,because he did not have to bend the rules.
LOL Pamela.
Darth
Only time will tell if Lamont will win. And there’s nothing worng with switching parties if your ideology changes.
True,as long as you leave,and give people a chance to vote for you again.