JUST IN: a letter from Sen. Boxer re: her support for Lieberman. MUST READ

[BigBearJohn]

Dear John,

Thank you for writing to me about the hotly contested Connecticut primary for Senate.

I am traveling to many states throughout the summer and fall to help Democrats take back the Senate and House. I started yesterday morning at a campaign stop for Senator Menendez and then made appearances for Joe Lieberman in Connecticut before he left for a Bill Clinton rally.

So why did I go to Connecticut? When Joe asked me to tell his constituents about our work together on the environment and choice, I told him I would.

I realize this decision has deeply disappointed you. I completely understand your position and only hope that you will come to understand mine.

For 14 years, Joe Lieberman and I have shared an alliance on a range of progressive issues, especially two that are central to my public service -- the environment and choice.

We have worked side by side on the Senate's Environment and Public Works Committee. When Bill Clinton was President, the stakes weren't nearly as high. But within hours of President Bush taking office, the environment was under attack.

Believe me, it has not been easy to fight the Bush Administration and the Republicans on this committee who try to undermine the environment, and its supporters, at every turn.

I know that's not news to you. But what you might not know about is the critical role that Joe has played in this battle.

The fact is, on every single fight I have waged on that committee -- from arsenic in the water, to air pollution, to pesticide testing on infants and children, to global warming, to Superfund and much more -- Joe has been a stalwart partner and leader.

Joe was the first author of legislation to permanently protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. He was one of the first Senators to try to tackle the global warming challenge. The Republicans laughed at his efforts and refused to admit that we were right on this issue. But Joe was undeterred.

And it's the same with women's rights, especially choice. Each and every time a woman's right to choose has come to the Senate floor -- including late term emergency abortions -- I've had a reliable partner in Joe.

He is one of a small handful of Senators who has joined with me both times I have introduced the Freedom of Choice Act, the most strongly pro-choice piece of legislation in the U.S. Senate.

Because of his long record on choice and other important progressive issues, Joe has won the endorsement of organizations such as Planned Parenthood, NARAL, AFL-CIO, the League of Conservation Voters, and the Human Rights Campaign.

Of course, as you rightly point out, Joe and I don't agree on everything. And nothing has deeply disappointed me more than our complete disagreement on the Iraq War.

The fact is, I disagree with many of my usual allies on the war since my bill to redeploy troops out of Iraq by the end of THIS year is the toughest redeployment bill out there. As far as I'm concerned, I will stand alone to end this war.

Joe and I have virtually no common ground on Iraq except for one thing -- we have teamed up to provide comprehensive mental health care for our troops. Our amendment will ensure that our soldiers will not be sent into combat if they have mental health problems, including post traumatic stress, and that they will be able to get mental health help within 72 hours if they need it.

Again, this may sound easy, but the truth is, we had to work very hard to get our mental health amendment to pass the Senate, which it did.

I do not minimize the differences I have on the war with Joe -- or any of my colleagues -- but as I said, I also have a 14-year alliance on other progressive issues that are important to us, to California, and our country.

I understand that you disagree vehemently with my decision, as is your right. But, on August 8, the Democrats of Connecticut will make their voices heard on Joe's candidacy, and I will have deep respect for their decision.

Until then, I only hope that you will weigh our differences about this primary campaign against everything that ties us together, and please know that I will continue to work as hard as I can to earn your trust and support.

Best,



Barbara Boxer

[corkhead]

1. So what, is she worried that Lamont will not be as good a Democrat?

:shrug:

[jobycom]

12. He won't have the clout or experience.

Not siding with Lieberman or Lamont (I'd take either of them in a heartbeat over what we have in Texas), but just knowing whether to say Aye or Nay on the right issues isn't the majority of the work a Senator does. Plus, she's pointing out that he's agreed with her on more issues than he's opposed her on.

[skipos]

26. EVERY Senator didn't have "clout or experience" at one point in time

I would never vote for someone like Joe (who doesn't even give a crap about the vote of CT Dems) just because he has "more experience" than a newbie like Lamont.

It is funny to me that people use someone's lack of "experience" against them. Do you see any relation between experience and how good a politician is for America? Jeeze, you don't get more experience than Cheney or the Bushes or most people in this administration, and they are a nightmare.

[jobycom]

43. Um, yeah, I definitely see a relationship between experience and competenc

We are living through a nightmare now because too few people thought experience mattered. George had zero experience to qualify him for the job.

Vote Lamont, I don't care, I don't have a horse in this race. I'm sick of the Lieberman bashers who forget everything he has done, and I'm sick of Lieberman being on the wrong side on Iraq. I'm sick of people who think experience isn't important. I'm sick of people who bash everyone who ever says anything nice about someone who says something nice about Bush. I'm sick of this race. As far as I'm concerned, there are a lot of people behind Lamont and Lieberman I'd rather not see in the Democratic party. I'm about a finger's breath away from cheering for the Republican because I don't think either side has behaved well enough to be called a Democrat (although I'm blaming Lamont for the attitudes of some of his supporters, and I don't know enough about him to know if that's fair. Bunch of spoiled whiners crying about the shade of blue of their candidate. Live wth Cornyn and Hutchison for a while. I was pointing out Boxer's point, that's all.

[skipos]

55. Yeah, Nixon (lots of experience) really trumped Lincoln (low experience)

as a president. Rumsfeld and Cheney would make much better presidents than Clark, look how much more experience they have!
:eyes:

On edit: and now that Bush has had 6 years of experience, he sure has gotten a lot better at being president!

[Bitter Cup]

56. wonder what all that experience across the board

in congress costs the nation in terms of stagnation, apathy, and corruption. Term limits keep looking better and better.

[gully]

32. I don't think so, I think she's explaining why she supports Lieberman.

It's the fact that on MOST issues he's been a good progressive. The war is one issue they happen to disagree on.

That said - I personally support Lamont, though I'm not in Connecticut.

I am not surprised that Democrats support Lieberman, though personally his "threat" to run as an independent would have stopped me from endorsing him were I in such a position.

[Iowa]

40. My thought exactly...

Furthermore, it strikes me as disingenuous to leave the impression that the war is his primary betrayal of import. This asshole has been a corporate lackey on a number of critical issues.

[jobycom]

2. I so wish we had Senators who could communicate like that

Honest, direct, doesn't shy away from the controversy, doesn't give in.

Last time I wrote a letter to my Texas senators I got back "Well you're just a ninny-baby!" In crayon.

[IthinkThereforeIAM]

8. John Thune, R-SD...

... sends responses like that. He also denies they authenticity of the Downing Street Minutes, of course he called it a "memo".

[adarling]

31. hahaha, same here was it from Hutchison?

wrote her one last summer, my last one because i was so grossed out and tired of it being ineffective about the supreme court nominations.

[Bretttido]

61. Yes, it was a very thoughtful and non-evasive letter. Thumbs up for Boxer

[IthinkThereforeIAM]

3. Nice if it were a eulogy...

... Joe has to go. As does the DLC.

[BillZBubb]

4. Blah, Blah, Blah....

Everytime an anti-choice judge was nominated, where was Holy Joe? He certainly wasn't working tirelessly to block them. In fact, he scuttled any chance the Democrats might have had. But that's OK, women won't have problem driving to the next hospital.

[Richard Steele]

5. She actually touches the REAL problem in the 2nd to last sentence...

QUOTE: "But, on August 8, the Democrats of Connecticut
will make their voices heard on Joe's candidacy,
and I will have deep respect for their decision."

Whereas Joe has clearly stated that he WILL NOT respect their decision,
and will work to undermine it if it is not to his liking.

[babylonsister]

10. OT: your cartoon is the BEST! ROFL! nt

[Richard Steele]

75. I cannot take credit for that brilliantly insightful bit of truth.

A few months ago, I started a series of posts wherein I
took the funniest comments I came across at DU and PhotoShopped
them into Toons...

IIRC, that "have Jerry Seinfeld killed" quip belongs to our fellow DUer 'Tummler'.

There are many more in my DU diary, but I doubt that I will be
creating any new episodes in the series.

What with WWIII getting on a roll and all, I just don't
LOL as often as I used to.

[Master Mahon]

6. Doesn't she think that Lamont

will support the environment and choice as well????

Will the environment and choice even be issues with the world at war????

[babylonsister]

7. Sob! Why can't I have a Senator like that? I

don't like or agree with Joe, but it's so refreshing to read this, and it was obviously written recently, not months after the fact. Logically explains Senator Boxer's reasons for supporting Lieberman, which I imagine is why you wrote to her.
Two thumbs up from me! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[ronnykmarshall]

20. I worked as an intern in her office in SF.

She and everyone in the offices work very hard on letters. If Boxer herself didn't write it, someone would pass it by her (or very close to her) for approval.

[cgrindley]

9. Anyone know what Hilary's excuse is?

I've emailed her senate address, but it keeps bouncing back saying that she won't respond to non New Yorkers. Perhaps she should butt out of CT if she's so uninterested in us. As a sidenote, it's a little irritating of an attitude for her to take, considering how many of us work and pay taxes in NY.

[ellenfl]

16. not to mention how many of us will be voting for

president in 2008 . . . if the rw has their way and she is a candidate.

ellen fl

[gratuitous]

11. A very nice letter

Too bad it's so full of malarkey regarding Lieberman's record on abortion, and Boxer seems to hide behind NARAL's ill-considered endorsement (side note to interest groups: This is why your endorsements matter, please consider them carefully) as support for her contention that Lieberman is rock solid pro-choice.

She's also misinformed about Lieberman's infamous statement that his support for hospitals denying treatment to women because another hospital is just a short ride away.

But it is a very nice letter.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

13. She's Awesome.

Though I may not fully support her decision to back him, she's a shining star of a senator and I think her response was incredibly thoughtful, intelligent and reasonable as always. Even in times of disagreement she proves she is someone we can be very proud to call our own who stands by her integrity while maintaining one of the most intellectual, rational, fair and capable demeanors in all of politics.

God bless her.

[Rokketmania]

17. Boxer & Lieberman, NOT Lamont?

It seems to me that Lamont's position(s) are more in line with
Boxer's than Joe's.  Is this just Senate
"collegiality" or some kind of payback?
Inquiring minds want to know.

.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

24. I'd Say She Explained Herself Pretty Well.

I know you don't like her explanation, but it is what it is.

Personally, Ned Lamont is unestablished. At least Barbara knows what she's getting with Joe, and she made it clear the level of trust she has in him on some of the issues most important to her. I think she was quite clear and intelligent in her explanation and I'm sure the fact she has established a trust with Joe on these important issues, and can rely on him for them, is a large factor in her decision.

As I said, she's one of if not the best Democratic senators we have, and I don't expect to agree with her 100% on everything every single time. But I have found no reason ever to have any less than 100% complete respect and admiration for her and her work.

[eridani]

63. It's Senate collegiality

At least she says she'll respect the decision of the voters of Connecticut, unlike Liebermann.

[BR_Parkway]

14. Even when she does something I disagree with, she makes

her case and defends her stand - none of the typical Dem blowing in the wind to phrase things 'just so' they offend the least amount of people.

I disagree - but this is one classy lady, an actual leader in the Dem party who has certainly earned the right to do as she is doing.

[xchrom]

15. ok -- here's what drives me crazy...

''For 14 years, Joe Lieberman and I have shared an alliance on a range of progressive issues, especially two that are central to my public service -- the environment and choice.
We have worked side by side on the Senate's Environment and Public Works Committee. When Bill Clinton was President, the stakes weren't nearly as high. But within hours of President Bush taking office, the environment was under attack.
Believe me, it has not been easy to fight the Bush Administration and the Republicans on this committee who try to undermine the environment, and its supporters, at every turn.
I know that's not news to you. But what you might not know about is the critical role that Joe has played in this battle.
The fact is, on every single fight I have waged on that committee -- from arsenic in the water, to air pollution, to pesticide testing on infants and children, to global warming, to Superfund and much more -- Joe has been a stalwart partner and leader.

Joe was the first author of legislation to permanently protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. He was one of the first Senators to try to tackle the global warming challenge. The Republicans laughed at his efforts and refused to admit that we were right on this issue. But Joe was undeterred.
And it's the same with women's rights, especially choice. Each and every time a woman's right to choose has come to the Senate floor -- including late term emergency abortions -- I've had a reliable partner in Joe.''

the causes that boxer is representing here{she is one of my senators , and i'm happy with her''} represents a rational FLOOR not a celing -- those causes -- the environment and choice are the very rational things that any senator -- democratic or republican should be behind foursquare.

it's not ''progressive'' or ''liberal'' or anything else to be pro environment or pro choice -- it's sane -- rational -- the absolute right thing to be if you're not a complete whore to the willfully ignorant republicans out there.

these issues shouldn't up for consideration for a political leader with a modicum of brains -- it's about trade and the environment or nafta or the world trade organization.

it's about the courage to begin to stand up to the new corporate paradigm -- and turn it back.

i.e. you support the fillibusters against those judges who you KNOW will be against the interests of america.

[countingbluecars]

35. I heard two pundits

today say that if Lieberman wins the primary it will be seen/spun as support for the war (see even liberals in Connecticut support the war). I can hear it now.

[xchrom]

49. oh i'm COUNTING on that.

one thing is rock solid certain with the ''msm'' at this time in history -- they are part and parcel of the attempt to control history.

a bitter lesson for the corporate lords from viet nam?

it's certainly a known tool for the ''victorious'' -- control history.

[Hippo_Tron]

68. Unfortunately, the majority of the US Senate is NOT sane

What you are saying is absolutely true. Back in the 1960's and 70's, Joe Lieberman would probably be a Moderate Republican. But this isn't the 70's anymore, and far right has hijacked our country and now people like Lieberman are considered liberal by most. Boxer is right that Lieberman has done some good work in these areas, but his disloyalty to the party and his hypocriscy are just sickening. That's why I support Lamont.

[xchrom]

78. i have to agree with you.

and i too hope conneticut sends a message to the beltway dems.

[Tellurian]

18. She didn't address Joe's stalwart support of Bush's agendi..

His initiate for protecting the Arctic has been trashed.
Apparently the language contained in the legislation was
very thin to begin with..other than lobbying for mental
health care problems for our soldiers, a problem he
helped to create..

Why does the State of CT need any mo Joe?

[Totally Committed]

19. I'm glad she realizes how much she disappointed a lot of people.

I really like Boxer, but I disagree with her to the max on this appearance for Joe. When I saw the video of it, I was appalled... she seemed evasive, non-repsonsive, and frankly, to be "spinning" for him.

Joe needs to go. Period. I'm glad she will, at least, respect the decision of the CT voters, and didn't insult them by calling them "nutty" or anything like Bill did. My guess is her appearance did little to help Joe and more than it should have to hurt her.

TC

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

33. Did Bill call us "nutty" ?

I thought it was our Speaker of the CT House - Ammann - who called us the "shreeking minority".

I sure hope we can find a good candidate next year to replace Ammann. I am so sick of these politicos who think they are entitled to their offices regardless of what the majority of the voters want.

[ShortnFiery]

79. Yes, Joe needs to go. Barbara needs to STFU or just perhaps she'll

be next. The only way to stop the Senate from whoring for each other is DEMAND that they serve THEIR CONSTITUENTS FIRST. Barbara Boxer, this isn't your fight, so kindly STFU.

[Cleita]

21. I love Barbara and her decision to back Lieberman does

not change that. However, if I could vote in Connecticut in the primary, Lieberman would not get my vote. I did the same here in California when I voted for another candidate for senator instead of Dianne Feinstein in the primary.

Although both Senators have done much good that I appreciate, both have also worked too much for their own self interest and have set the Democratic cause backwards because their reaching across the aisle involved crouching in a position of worship with no shame for the damages their compromises effected. That's why I would prefer another Democrat at this time.

[Fridays Child]

22. Do they all eventually become mutual admiration society members?

This is typical tin-eared, inside-the-beltway behavior and it's especially sad coming from one of the few who seemed to understand the urgency of putting a halt to the right wing juggernaut. The battle line has not been so distinct in a long time, and Barbara Boxer is making a terrible mistake, if she thinks she can straddle that line. The very fact that she had to write an apology letter about it proves that she knows it's not right.

[halobeam]

23. Nice letter, sincerely... but we need the house back..screw the details

IMO.

[Clarkie1]

25. Boxer and Lieberman are both good people.

And I applaud Lieberman and Boxer's cooperative work on the environment and women's issues.

You know, although we disagree with Lieberman on foreign policy issues, it is not the senate that primarily sets foreign policy. It occured to me while reading the OP how beneficial it may be to have someone who is respected by Republicans, and able perhaps to bring a few more Republicans over to our side on issues like the environment and women's rights. So maybe Lieberman's foreign policy opinions help him to get parts of the Democratic domestic agenda passed? Just a thought.

[skipos]

28. And Lamont is a good person too.

But one of those people has drifted away from popular opinion in their homestate, and is going down in flames because of it.

[Jacobin]

29. Yeah let's trade piles of blown up brown people

for our environment and choice.

Lovely thought, that.

[wtmusic]

73. That sums it up pretty well. nt

[stepnw1f]

46. Now I get It (nt)

[Jacobin]

27. So, if we have nice water and choice, we can blow up brown people

all we want to and its ok.

Cause he's my friend, and ah lahk him a lot.

Damn we need a new senate.

damn damn damn

[cally]

30. I support Senator Boxer and Lamont

I don't require politicians to agree with me on every issue. She can make principled, well thought out positions that are very different than mine. She's proven herself to me and I think progressives who reject Boxer over supporting Lieberman are extremely short sighted.

A proud Californian Democratic Boxer constituent.

[yebrent]

34. I will reserve judgment until after the primary.

If Lamont wins the primary and she and the Big Dog do not endorse Lamont, then I will be extremely disappointed. Some people have mentioned that this may give her and Bill more clout in asking Joe not to run as an independent if he loses the primary. I guess we will have to wait to see how this plays out.

[cboy4]

36. I'm still happy to have her as my senator, even thought I'm disappointed

she's supporting right wing-leaning Joe Lieberman.

Even if that was a form letter, I thought it was refreshing to hear her admit she's realizes she's disappointing people.

But the bottom line is the senate protects its own.

[Zodiak]

37. I have a hypothesis

That Boxer negotiated support for Leiberman in the primary in return for a Joementum vote on a progressive issue (Joe has been voting more progressive since this primary challenge began). In other words, she signed on the dotted line and must honor her agreement, therefore she appeared for Leiberman.

It is true that this letter has a great deal of spin when it comes to the choice issue. Alito and Roberts weren't exactly shining examples of men to put on the SCOTUS if one is a sincere pro-choice senator. We are talking Constitutional rights, not a political football. Boxer had to defend her position somehow, so this was the best argument she came up with. Her clear progressive voting history exonerates her from the wrath of the grassroots for infractions like this. Despite the strawmen hurled from the DLC, the progressive grassroots can be a forgiving bunch, especially on unimportant matters like this. After all, the new strength of the grassroots and the blogosphere in general (from whence Lamont get his best support) is that we are NOT a cult of personlity that will vote for brand X just because our favorite Dems say so.

After all, did Boxer's endorsement sway anyone here? I doubt it. Once you are off the Joementum bandwagon, there is no going back. I'm pretty sure Boxer knows this and also knows her support will not affect the primary one bit.

Joe's calling in ALL favors, I'm sure. He is scared. More scared than I ever imagined him being just a year ago. Personally, I was hoping that a primary challnger would get enough support to just remind Joementum that he can be called on the carpet. Now he is fighting for his political life. Apparently this internet grassroots thing we have going here is more powerful that previously thought. All progressive victories in the last five years (both of them) got their start right here in electron packets.

[EFerrari]

38. "Did Boxer's endorsement sway anyone here?"

Nope. And goes to show ya what a master craftswoman she is.

[Zodiak]

39. Well, if my hypothesis is true (which I do not know)

then she negotiated a meaningless gesture away for a progressive vote. That sounds like good politics to me.

[EFerrari]

47. I tend to think you are right. n/t

[Tellurian]

41. No! Her first allegiance is to her constituancy. "They" are her Caesar!

[EFerrari]

48. These two situations are complementary. n/t

[Tellurian]

62. They are synonymous!

[Pastiche423]

42. I want my roses back

[faithnotgreed]

44. i am fully FULLY for lamont but i do appreciate this letter and

senator boxer for writing it
she is among the more committed representatives we have and i thank her for trying to communicate with those who dont agree with her instead of the usual drivel that comes from government offices

thank you senator boxer
i hope to see you side by side with senator lamont and i know you will support whomever is voted in by the people of connecticut
i also know that even though you represent california you also represent me in many ways (especially since i receive no real representation here in dc)

[stepnw1f]

45. Sorry Barbara.. you are Part of the Problem Now

Same 'Ole, same 'Ole just doesn't cut it anymore. And as for that dirt bag, Joe LIEbermann, he can go to hell.

[EFerrari]

50. Wait! Think about it. How much good is an endorsement

from Barbara going to do for him? :evilgrin:

[stepnw1f]

53. hmmmm.... (nt)

[Vidar]

51. Well-reasoned respnse. I still like Boxer & despise Joe.

[IdaBriggs]

52. I support Senator Boxer. I understand how difficult it is to respect

people for SOME of their decisions, but not all. She has proven herself loyal to her friend, which I think she should have done, and further stated that she will respect the will of the Connecticut electorate.

This is what personal integrity is all about -- it doesn't make "everyone happy" all of the time, but its knowing/understanding that people don't have to be 100% in agreement with you all of the time to be "good people."

Senator Lieberman has been a good Senator on a variety of issues. Unfortunately, he has become a symbol of "Bush Love" and while that may have been acceptable before the Republicans destroyed the concept of "bi-partisanship" it is now officially Out of Step. We *HATE* Bush -- and a man who was "respected" because of his views on morality which gave him the "right" to scold Clinton over an office fling has not utilized that same "moral authority" to criticize a man who appears to be bent on destroying the world.

I support Lamont for Senator, but hope Joe Lieberman will continue to work for the issues he strongly believes in -- the environment, and choice in particular. I also find myself deeply impressed with Senator Boxer for her difficult, yet principled stance. If she chooses to run for President, I will definitely throw my small support her way.

[samsingh]

54. i think Barbara has done a good job explaining her actions

i may not agree with her, but i respect her decision. The crucial thing will be after the primary - if she respects the will of the voters. I believe she will.

[bemildred]

57. Props to Barbara. Good letter. Just right. nt

[huskerlaw]

58. That's my senator!

I disagree with her decision and I don't necessarily agree with her reasoning either, but she obviously weighed the pros and cons and is acting in a way that she feels is right.

And she took the time to explain her reasoning to a constituent. How many senators do that? I happily agree to disagree with her on this one. What a class act.

[SoCalDem]

59. Barbara, Barbara, Barbara..

Joe-no-Mentum's voting record is suspect since it's easy to rack up a "favorable percentage" when voting FOR issues that are democratic issues, but are sure to fail, due to the rightwing majority.. The BRAVE votes are the close ones, where he (or any senator) votes against the "grain" and gives them that one or 2 vote margin they need in order to pass some vile piece of legislation..

and the slavering, cloying, ass-kissing is beyong annoying.. Lieberman (and a few others) GIVE COVER, COMFORT, AND QUASI-AUTHENTICITY to the most vile president we have ever had. I cringe every time I hear one of the republitrolls saying " It has BIpartisan support..why Joe Lieberman, democRAT senator voted for it"..

Quit wiping their asses..

[welshTerrier2]

60. i read this with an open mind

i saw some clips of Boxer's appearance in CT ... they were disturbing to say the least ...

but i do respect her and i was willing to read what she had to say ... in fact, while there's no way i would accept her support of Lieberman, i had hoped she would give me a good solid reason to "let her off the hook" ... i feel really lousy that she campaigned for bush's favorite Democrat ...

so i read her letter ... because i trust her, i'll accept that what she wrote was sincere ...

but man is it ever screwed up ... i mean completely ... i'll focus specifically on her comments about Lieberman's support for the environment and global warming ... LIEBERMAN VOTED FOR THE bush/cheney ENERGY BILL ... more oil ... more pollution ... more war ... more corporate welfare ... more lobbyist corruption of our democracy ... and stifled pursuit of alternative energy sources ...

Babs, i love ya but you totally blew it on this one ...

[hfojvt]

72. not only that

she oughta read this:
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0714-33.htm

Lieberman voted for Roberts and for cloture on Alito. That's pretty solidly pro-choice, isn't it? -- NOT!!

But the worst part about Lieberman is not his votes in the Senate. It is his speeches on TV constantly supporting Bush and constantly criticizing Democrats. That helps to convince the public that the rest of the Democrats are just being partisan, instead of reasonable and patriotic like Saint Joseph. Things that make you go :argh:

[MzNov]

64. Too late Babs, the damage is done

we'll be watching you very closely now. You've raised a big red flag and have made your constituents and Lamont supporters very upset. Lamont is going to win so I hope you decide to endorse him for the November election. If not, I hope you're history.

Nedrenaline!

:bounce:

[cosmicdot]

65. received the same letter

after first receiving this message yesterday re my correspondence expressing my disappointment in her campaigning for Lieberman:

"I have forwarded your email to the appropriate campaign committee for response."

Sincerely,

Dan Hammer
Correspondence Director
U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer



A neutral stance in this hotly contested primary would have been my choice.

I don't want 6 more years of stay the Lieberman course.

Boxer can forge relationships with either Lieberman or Lamont.



Like other organizations, the Patrick Henry Demcoratic Club in California tracks and scores Senator and Representative votes based on various bills, amendments, resolutions, confirmations, and so forth. Based on PHDC's criteria, this is how Boxer compares to Lieberman.

in 2005, the score range was +550 to -550

Boxer's score: 152.5 (the highest score of any Senator) - thank you, Barbara
Lieberman's score: -255 (that's worse than Blanche Lincoln)

http://patrickhenrythinktank.org/sen-score7.html


Sorry, Sen. Boxer, but Lieberman's votes and actions (appearances on corporate media, etc.) affect me in California, too. Let's see how a Senator Lamont does.

[RagAss]

66. Another Gutless Justification......

[DYouth]

67. That's it: She's sleeping with him!

Sorry, that's what I got from the repeated "14 year alliance" phrase jumbled in there ^_^

[Truthiness Inspector]

69. Was this an email or is there a link? n/t

[BigBearJohn]

74. EMAIL

[Hippo_Tron]

70. It's a good letter and I respect Senator Boxer

As she stated, Lieberman has been a great help to her in the past on championing issues that are important to her. She's not saying that Lamont won't be a great champion of those issues, but she is saying that because Lieberman has supported her in the past, she is supporting him now.

Remember, everyone, this is Senator Boxer, one of the most honest and courageous members of the Senate. She has no political ambition for higher office and no motives other than doing what she thinks if best for the country and best for her state.

The fact is that Lamont is a complete newcomer and it is not reasonable to expect anyone to support a newcomer over someone that they have been friends and colleagues with for over a decade. That is one of the key disadvantages that primary challengers have. It's actually pretty amazing, in my opinion, that Lamont managed to get Maxine Waters to come campaign for him.

All of that said, I hope Lamont wins on August 8th and I hope that all of these senators will keep their word to support him if he does.

[T Town Jake]

71. She's right.

(n/t)

[Voltaire99]

76. LOL @ Boxer

Boxer shows she'll put the clubhouse ahead of principle any day. Not surprising, really--merely disgusting.

[B Calm]

77. August 8, the Democrats of Connecticut will make their voices heard

So what the hell is she doing in Connecticut

[zcflint09]

80. Excellent response from Barb

She is truly one of the best people we have in government right now. If that letter wasn't personally from her, it had to be run by her once or twice before sending it out and I appreciate her honestly. Not a big fan of Joe, but Barabra Boxer is clearly a great Democrat and I appreciate hearing such directness from a canidate.