In a close race, reportedly 52 percent to 48 percent, businessman and political rookie Ned Lamont ousted incumbent Joseph Lieberman from the Democratic ticket yesterday.
In a tight race with hot issues and national coverage, anti-war candidate Lamont edged his way to victory. Lieberman has vowed to run now as an independent, in an attempt to save his senate seat which now hangs in the balance.
Many have questioned Lieberman’s liberal loyalties during the campaign. The most noteable issue has been his siding with President Bush on war issues, something Lamont used as a primary attack mechanism.
Blogs and websites also played a heavy role in the race. The Huffington Post blog was a major played and became controversial when it posted a doctored photo of Lieberman with former President Clinton.
The issue has taken over Connecticut media since day one. This morning, the state’s daily newspapers led with the senate story. The Middletown Press ran an article discussing the race under the headline, “Lieberman concedes.” The New Haven Register led with “Lamont wins Senate nomination.”
Connecticut also had a Democratic gubernatorial primary yesterday.
New Haven mayor John DeStefano Jr. defeated Stamford mayor Dannel Mallo for the nomination. DeStefano now faces a popular incumbent Republican in Jodi Rell. The race has not received nearly the same amount of national or even local attention as the gripping United States Senate race.
Lamont’s campaign website was concise today. The headline: We Did It!