Leiberman, Lamont and Schlesinger….Let the Race Begin


Like many who are junkies for politics I watched the returns from eight o’clock until the final speeches on Primary Day. There is nothing like the energy that an election night provides. But, if you think that was a night of high emotions, just wait until November.

This is going to be a history making year in Connecticut politics. First, we have an interesting makeup for the office of Governor with John DeStefano and M. Jodi Rell. I will write later in the campaign about the issues that will be addressed. But, right off the bat I am fearful of a DeStefano victory, as I am not a big fan of socialized medicine and liberal policies.

The big news of course is the U.S. Senate race between Lamont, Leiberman (both Democrats) and Schlesinger (Republican.) Man, is this going to be a strange year in Connecticut.

So, what will this mean for the Democratic Party in our State and nationwide as well? How will their party gain unity when there are two Democratic Candidates running for the same office? Will Alan Schlesinger be awarded a victory simply by gaining more then a third of the political pie?

The answer is…who in the world knows! But one thing is for sure. Our next Senator will be sent to Washington without having a clear mandate by the voters of Connecticut.

Here are a few observations about this years Senate race. First, I will start with Ned Lamont and why he should not win in November.

Lamont is just too liberal to really attract the mainstream citizens of our State. Just watching the Washington elite and the Hollywood types come to town for him shows that he is the favorite of the far left in the Democratic Party. Plus, he is a one issue candidate….and Connecticut has many more issues that need to be addressed.

Leiberman will have a rough road as he enters a new arena in politics….the independent spoiler. This is not a role that Joe has been used too in his political career. Many have told me that he will come out on top in a three way race…the same people who said three months ago that a guy named Ned could never knock off a former Vice-Presidential Candidate.

Then there is Alan Schlesinger, the Republican Candidate for U.S. Senate (unlike the Dems we only have one candidate.)

Now, it will be hard for him to compete with the press Lamont and Leiberman will get during the general election. The national press will be focusing on the top story of the “Democratic Division.” It will be Joe and Ned on the TV circuit appearing on shows like “Larry King Live”, “Hanity and Combs” and “Hard Ball with Chris Matthews”. Out of Fairness the State and national media needs to award him (Alan Schlesinger) the same amount of coverage that will be given to the Democratic Candidates.

A few weeks ago I was rather harsh in my writing about Alan Schlesinger, my parties candidate. I have spoken to Mr. Schlesinger twice since that article came out and he has asked to sit down with me and discuss my concerns. I agreed and we have talked a few more times, including today. I told him what I thought he should have done, and do with the accusations he was facing. I said that people, like me, in Connecticut look for the simple apology when errors come to the surface. Redemption is always open to anyone who seeks it. To my delight he has done just that, and he deserves a second look. I have to say “policy wise” he has some better ideas then the two Democrats running.

This election year is going to be an energetic one with unusual results. Loyal Republicans and Democrats are going to split their tickets. Unknown candidates may see surprising victories in races that usually see no surprises. All because of what I am calling the “Joe Factor.” The true Reality Show!

Greg Stokes