NYDN: Hil foe eyes Conn. race-Tasini covets support from anti-Joe crew

[Stephanie]

New York is the next battleground after Connecticut. Tasini's a genuine progressive, an anti-war Democrat whose hero is Paul Wellstone. His campaign against a pro-war Democrat deserves as much attention as Lamont's. Clinton's counting on a coronation rather than an election, with no examination of her voting record and no debate about the war. We can't let that happen.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/story/441173p-371661c.html

Hil foe eyes Conn. race
Tasini covets support from anti-Joe crew

BY HELEN KENNEDY
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER



Sen. Hillary Clinton's little-noticed primary foe is watching the remarkable political upset unfolding in Connecticut with envy - and some hope.

Jonathan Tasini's long-shot anti-war Democratic primary challenge to Clinton hasn't taken off the way Ned Lamont's long-shot anti-war Democratic primary challenge to Sen. Joe Lieberman did. But Tasini thinks that could soon change.

"When Ned Lamont wins, voters will turn their attention to this race," he said, hoping anti-war activists will come help him gun for Clinton.

***

Campaigning in Bryant Park, Jones Beach and Central Park, Tasini asks Democrats if they support the war, the death penalty, gay marriage and health care for all.

"On every issue, they agree with me, not Hillary Clinton. But in the end, they always say, 'Well, I just like her,'" he said. "She's got a powerful mystique based on celebrity and it's very hard to break through that."

***

Tasini's biggest headlines so far came when he criticized Israel's pounding of Lebanon. His point - that killing civilians ultimately weakens Israel's security - was lost amid suggestions that Tasini, a Jew with a goyish name, was anti-Israel.

"To criticize Israel in a New York election? Madness," said Quinnipiac University pollster Mickey Carroll. "The politically sensible thing to do is keep your mouth shut."

But that's not Tasini's style.

"When you love something, you criticize it when it's wrong," he said. "The same way I'm a patriotic American and I'm furious about this government, I love Israel and I'm furious about what's happening there."

[William769]

1. Envy and hope is all he's ever gonna have against Hillary Clinton.

[Stephanie]

3. not really. there's also truth, righteousness and sincerity

all of which she lacks

[ruggerson]

2. Why don't we spend this energy on destoying Republicans?

n/t

[Stephanie]

4. Why don't we elect Democrats who won't cave to Republicans?

Why do we elect complicit triangulators more worried about their future careers than doing what's right?

[Stephanie]

5. and let me ask you - Do you support the Iraq war?

Do you support the death penalty? Do you believe same-sex couples should be denied the right to marry? Would you take money from Rupert Murdoch?

[MissWaverly]

6. I am going to send Tasini money

Hilary is not the big dog, much as we wish it was so.

[im10ashus]

7. I sent him money.

I would like to see a debate on all of these issues, if nothing else. He may not win the primary, and I will vote for her if she gets the nomination, but I'd like an honest debate on all of the issues. :shrug:

[MissWaverly]

9. well, I am not alone

yes, me too, and you see how never having to compete for a seat influenced Lieberman, I see
that he's raised $74,000 listed at Act Blue, I am guessing that's on-line contributions.

[calico1]

8. Its not quite the same situation.

Contrary to what the media, Lamont's foes and even some DU'ers believe, the anger against Lieberman was not just about the war. Clinton doesn't undermine her own party or kiss up constantly to bush and his administration. She hasn't threatened to bolt the party. As disappointing as she can be, she is way better than Lieberman. I would like to see more progressives getting elected but I just don't think this guy has as strong a case as Lamont does.