The Los Angeles Times is saying that any Democratic gains made in this falls elections will be attributed to Democrats who are gun-owning, anti-abortion and fiscally conservative. The Blue Dog Democrats are pre-emptively trying to claim credit for whatever happens this fall and is trying to make sure that the more progressive wing of the party is shut out of any credit for a potential take-over of the House.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/politics/la-na-dems26oct26,0,3860101.story?coll=la-home-headlinesAt the same time, should Sen. Lieberman be re-elected in Connecticut, the party is poised to be even more split on the Iraq War. Sen. Kerry, as the most vocal supporter of Ned Lamont is also being pre-emptively setup as a 'failure' in his push to elect more anti-war Democrats. At the same time, it is assumed that he will have shored up his support with the party's base and liberal netroots by doing the same.
Hmmmm, interesting tea leaves to read here. It's going to be an interesting 'after the election' this fall and there will be a lot to think about going into the '08 cycle.
Kerrey backed Kerry's 2004 White House run and campaigned for his re-election in 1996. The two are decorated Vietnam veterans who often worked together on issues related to the Southeast Asian nation.
Senate Democrats have maintained some distance in the Connecticut race, in part because Lieberman holds a double-digit lead in the polls and they want him to caucus with the party if re-elected. Lieberman has said he would stay with the Democrats.
Only a handful of Senate Democrats have contributed cash to Lamont. They include Sens. Harry Reid, D-Nev., Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., Barack Obama, D-Ill., Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. and Russ Feingold, D-Wis. They each gave $5,000 through their political action committees.
Kerry's campaigning for Lamont could pay dividends among the liberal voters who tend to dominate Democratic primaries.
Kerry and Lieberman were rivals during the 2004 presidential primaries. After Lieberman's primary loss in August, Kerry criticized Lieberman, the 2000 vice presidential nominee, for running as an independent.
The Massachusetts senator also scolded Lieberman for supporting the Iraq war and for echoing Vice President Dick Cheney.
Few top Democrats have been as active on Lamont's behalf as Kerry, who earlier this year sent out a fundraising e-mail to his network of national supporters for Lamont and other Democratic candidates.
http://www.norwalkadvocate.com/news/local/state/hc-26013602.apds.m0294.bc-ct--connoct26,0,7965457.story?track=rss