New Poll Shows Trouble in the Nutmeg State for Chris Dodd - Other 2010 DNC Trouble Spots

A poll conducted by Quinnipiac and Released on March 10 , shows long time Democrat Senator Chris Dodd with his “Fannie” in a sling. In a match up with a virtual unknown Republican congressman, Rob Simmons, Dodd is running 1 point behind. Dodd, who has racked up unfavorable ratings due to problems with mortgage issues, (at least that is what is assumed vis a vis this poll), believes this is a temporary set-back. However, voter registration in Connecticut State resembles that of neighboring Massachusetts, where independent or unaffiliated voters are in the majority.
One has to recall that this is the same state that recently gave the boot to New York Times Endorsed Ned Lamont in favor of Lieberman who is viewed as a centrist. Lieberman, ousted by his own Party, ran as an independent. It was the independent vote, with the help of the minority Republican Party that put Lieberman back in the saddle.

What is most interesting is that, this early in the game, a candidate unknown outside of his own district, will beat an incumbent, regardless of party. Should the RCN kick it up a notch (and there is reason to believe Michael Steele will put a focus on the Northeast), then Chris Dodd and Harry Reid can spend some quality time together in the not too distant future.

Other Democrat Senate Seats in play, but not necessarily of interest at this point due to lack of any data;
Blanche Lincoln, AR, Barbara Boxer, CA, (Logic dictates she should hold that seat as long as Bob Byrd has held his), Michael Bennet CO, Daniel Iouye HI, Roland Burris ILL (this one should be fun), Evan Bayh, IN (see Boxer), Barbara Mikulski, MD (see Burris), Kristen Gillibrand, NY (see Burris), Chuck Schumer, NY (See Boxer), Byron Dorgan, ND, Ron Wyden, OR, Pat Leahy, VT, Patty Murary, WA, and the leftist of the Senate (seriously), Feingold, WI.

In a related article by the LA Times entitled: “GOP sees its 2010 chances improve -- thanks to Obama”, the point: vacancies left by Senators taking Cabinet positions have left an opening for the GOP, and further notes that should the economy not improve, the GOP will be given an added boost.

The economy, although some analysts are hoping for a 2009 rebound (calling a 5% increase in one day of trading a "bear market" may be premature), may not turn around quite as quickly, and burgeoning Federal Programs, bloated budgets and regulation being put into place should push the rate of inflation higher than the current unemployment rate. (A Jimmy Carter scenario). It is, as of this writing, too late for Democrat incumbents to battle history, and the increasingly impatient general public, who demands instant results (rightly or wrongly ), leaving any incumbent now affiliated with Donkey brand in a position where they either play nice with conservatives and vote for fiscal restraint or stand in danger of losing their seat (Again, see Bayh one of three Democrats to oppose the massive pork-ridden Omnibus spending bill.) Either certain Democrats are horrified the concept of tax and spend, or an election is looming. Voting against massive spending at this point, may be too little too late. After all, 2010 races were being planned across the country immediately following the 2008 races (and possibly before), events in 2009 will shape the races in 2010, and should the economy in 2010 improve only slightly, the probability of shift in Washington party power is increased.

Joe Lieberman – Introducing the New Independent Republican Party.

Last night Joe Lieberman addressed the Republican Convention and made a direct appeal to moderates across the nation, regardless of party lines, to take a long look at McCain and cast their vote in November for a Republican. Although the party faithful Democrats are up-in-arms about Joe’s speech, those Progressives who would have replaced him in a heartbeat with an Obama clone two years ago, one can’t be sure how that appeal affected the likely voters that are on the fringe - moderate Democrats as well as Independents. In contrasting the speech given by Zell Miller in 2004, which was a fiery lecture regarding the basic values that Miller felt had been abandoned by his party, Lieberman looked to history and gave a spot-on analysis of what the first President felt was wrong with party partisanship and how one-day it that partisanship – putting party first - might lead to a division within the nation that would cripple the government. His references to Barrack Obama were polite, yet they pointed to the lack of experience and the partisanship shown in Obama’s short time in his national Senate seat.

Lieberman is being called “Brave by some for crossing the aisle and incurring the wrath of his party. Threats have been made, by the likes of Harry Reid, that Lieberman could face the loss of a coveted Committee Seat should he not blindly follow the party. The fact that anyone would think a place of prominence in a given political party should concern an American or hold a Public Servant hostage is mind-boggling. When one compares the various “Party” experiences of both McCain and Palin with those of Joe Lieberman - a theme of true independence occurs. Many in the within the rank and file of the Democrats feel, and rightly so, that their party has been hijacked by Progressives (Socialist-Communists), turning the once inclusive party into a elite machine (See DNC Reform and PUMA), while most within the Republican party have been Independent (the rank and file and those outside of the Beltway), and the party, although much maligned, was the original party of inclusion and has historically, done more to promote those who may by gender or ethnicity, be targeted as “owned” by the other party.

Now that Joe Lieberman has thrown down the gauntlet, so to speak, and invited independents, rather those who care more about the country rather than a political party, to join with him in what amounts to a reform movement, a movement not only for the country but a movement within a party for the good of our nation.

As the far left members of the Democrat Party (or more appropriately the Progressive Democrat Party by virtue of its leadership), has, in recent days, shown that fascism and fanaticism know no bounds. In the past few days, Democrats have released the SS number and Home Address of VP Nominee, Sarah Palin, sympathetic media outlets such as Move-on.org, The New York Times, the Daily Kos (who works for Howard Dean, disclaimer on Home page), and the Huffington Post have placed unusual amounts of emphasis on Palin’s family personal matters – and Howie Carr, WRKO Boston, reported that one that had gone so far as to offer a reward to anyone who can come up with dirt on the family. Fascism anyone?

There has always been party rivalry, but that has been tempered with decency – within recent years, decency has fallen by the wayside, in favor of any tactic, including slander, in order to place the Democrat ticket at the top. As an independent minded American who, granted, leans conservative, the choice has become increasingly clear – there simply is no alternative to a McCain-Palin ticket – it is the New Independent Republican Ticket that offers real change that is backed up by the players resumes - not an empty “Yes we can” (borrowed from a Massachusetts governors campaign), that does not offer a resume or any certainty that there will not be four more years of the same partisanship that our first President, George Washington, predicted.

McCain VP Choice - Speculation Mounts

As the McCain V.P. Contenders are eliminated, the pool of prospects left for speculators has come down to very few choices. Both Mitt Romney and Pawlenty are said to be out, Palin is in Alaska - not Ohio. Mike Huckabee, left a statement on the HUCPAC website stating he was not the V.P. choice. (Although Fox was later reporting that Huckabee was indeed headed to Ohio).

Who's left?

Joe Lieberman is alleged to have left Long Island for Ohio (according to the Washington Post, and Matt Drudgehas posted a photo of Lieberman and McCain, above the links to "those who are no longer considered".

Apparently, there will be no leaks on this particular story and much speculation until John McCain introduces his running mate in Ohio at High Noon.

McCain’s Choice – May Preempt Obama - Joe Lieberman?!

Politico and Matt Drudge are both hinting at a McCain campaign leak tonight at approximately 6:00 PM – John McCain’s vice-presidential choice. The leak would be timed to send news houses into a tizzy. The question: how can networks cover two major political events effectively – Obama’s speech under a triumphal arch (or Temple), and the naming of McCain's running mate - one that some sources are indicating is an “unconventional choice.” Regardless of choice, the timing of a leak is an exceptional chess move on the part of the campaign.

McCain is known as a maverick because of his ability to part ways with the Republican Party when he feels strongly about any given issue. He's done this since he first took office. Given his history, he will most likely choose the running mate he wants – not one driven by a political motive, rather one that he feels is best suited to the task and in the best interest of the country.

The possibility of Joe Lieberman running as a Vice-President (a second time) is not out of the question. Other names being bandied about are: Pawlenty (safe), Ridge (conservative – somewhat unsafe), Romney (conservative- somewhat safe), Lieberman (Independent – a maverick – actually - safe). How would a Lieberman V.P. choice affect the party? From a moderate perspective, Joe Lieberman would appeal to those moderate Democrats who were previously wed to the Clintons – the working class, non-progressive Democrats, the Reagan Democrats – and most importantly, the Independents. Lieberman may push extreme right conservatives to the wall, but in retrospect, those who are smart enough to know that an Obama presidency can not be tolerated would eventually warm to Joe. Win-Win.

John Kerry and Joe Lieberman, the Irony of a Veiled Threat

In a recent AP Article (Breitbart) on Joe Lieberman’s support for John McCain over Barrack Obama and the Democrat party hierarchy reaction, some interesting points were made regarding Lieberman’s importance to the party in general. As of now, the Democrats need Joe Lieberman - who generally supports the party – as they hold such a narrow margin in the Senate. Kerry, speaking on speculation that Lieberman may be punished by removing him from committee chairs, said "I can’t tell you what will happen next year."

Kerry, who, for the first time in a dozen years, actually has to wage a two front campaign due to a challenge within his own party (brought about by his dismal record as well as his support for Obama over the wishes of his constituents) by Gloucester Attorney Ed O’Reilly, and from the Republican, Jeff Beatty, who has a solid grassroots campaign within the state and general appeal. Kerry, who is the least well-like Bay state politician, may not be going back to Washington next year making his statement on Lieberman ironic, to say the least.

Kerry’s challenger in the Bay State is shown as nothing more than a minor annoyance, however, it is surprising that there have been zero polls taken since the surprising Zogby poll of August, 2007 (Cape Code Today), showing the Senator in a dead heat with challenger Jeff Beatty.

Lieberman, a moderate Democrat, held his seat by running as an Independent in 2004. The national Democrat Party, with Dean at the helm, favored a progressive Democrat to replace Lieberman. Although, Obama initially supported Lieberman, once the party line went to the left in support of Ned Lamont, Obama quickly abandoned Lieberman, and got right in line with the rest of the boys. Lieberman owes no allegiance to Obama, and or the party as it now stands. He has shown over the years his ability to maintain his integrity in a party that has been infested by elite progressives who are more interested in power than the people they represent. Lieberman is a true public servant, putting his constituents and the country before political affiliation.

Joe Lieberman in Support of John McCain

An email was sent out to McCain supporters yesterday from Sen. Joe Lieberman with a resounding endorsement for McCain’s candidacy. In essence Lieberman will chair the” Citizens for McCain grassroots organization. (Full Text below) Joe Lieberman understands what has happened to Hillary Clinton as it almost happened to him in 2006 – the party, not the people, decided Joe Lieberman was no longer “progressive” enough to be a Democrat and put up a candidate that was more to their liking (sound familiar?). Lieberman defied the party by running as an independent and trounced the DNC darling. Lieberman was one of the few Democrats left with any sense of what the general public within the party wants. It is that disconnect with the voters and a belief in the power of the “elite” to control the masses - that will continue to frustrate Democrats as elections that should be won are lost.

To: Fellow McCain Supporters

From: Senator Joe Lieberman

Date: June 5th, 2008

Today, I asked Senator McCain if I could create and chair a new grassroots organization, "Citizens for McCain."

Citizens for McCain is an organization within the McCain campaign for people who put country before political party and support the candidate for President who has a proven record of bipartisanship.

As you know, I caucus with the Democrats as a United States Senator and was the Democrat Party's nominee for Vice-President of the United States against President Bush and Vice President Cheney.

But first and foremost, I am an American. I have an obligation to do what I think is best for our nation regardless of political party. My love for this country and strong belief in John McCain's character, judgment, and willingness to work with leaders of both parties has convinced me to support him for President.

I have worked with John McCain for many years in the U.S. Senate and know from experience that he can unite Democrats, Republicans and Independents like no one else in this country. He did it in the United States Senate and he can do it as President of the United States.

But we need help from McCain supporters such as you to reach out to Americans who are not currently involved in the campaign. Will you help us by recruiting your friends, family, and co-workers who may not consider themselves members of the Republican Party and ask them to join the Citizens for McCain organization?

I am confident we will find many Democrats and Independents who like John McCain and me, put country before political party and will support a leader with a real record of bipartisanship.

Time and time again John McCain has put his country first. He refused early release when he was held captive in Vietnam. He continued to put his country first as a national leader in the U.S. Senate. He put country before party when he fought to pass campaign finance reform, sought a bi-partisan solution to the immigration problem, and consistently supported pro-environment policies. His courage to stand up to the failed Iraq war plan of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and lead the fight for a new strategy in Iraq will go down in history, and it saved American lives. These were not always the easy things to do. In fact, they were usually very difficult, and often threatened his political career. But John McCain did what was right.

He said it best in his speech in New Orleans on Tuesday night:
"(The American people) know I have a long record of bipartisan problem solving. They've seen me put our country before any President -- before any party -- before any special interest -- before my own interest. They might think me an imperfect servant of our country, which I surely am. But I am her servant first, last and always."

The phones at the campaign headquarters have been ringing with disaffected Democrats calling to say they believe Senator McCain has the experience, judgment, and bipartisanship necessary to lead our country in these difficult times. Many of these supporters are former supporters of Senator Clinton.

Senator McCain has had a very good working relationship with Senator Clinton and will continue to do so in the future. In the same New Orleans speech he said:
"Senator Clinton has earned great respect for her tenacity and courage. The media often overlooked how compassionately she spoke to the concerns and dreams of millions of Americans, and she deserves a lot more appreciation than she sometimes received. As the father of three daughters, I owe her a debt for inspiring millions of women to believe there is no opportunity in this great country beyond their reach. I am proud to call her my friend."

I am proud to call John McCain my friend and ask you to help our friend become the next President of the United States.

Please forward this email to your lists today and ask your friends, family, and coworkers who do not consider themselves Republicans to join me in filling out the Citizens for McCain form today.

Thank you for your willingness to help me expand this new organization. Together, we will make history.

Visit: Citizens for McCain or John McCain.com for more information.