Some significant updates on Ned Lamont's burgeoning campaign that must have Lieberman feeling more nervous than he was
yesterday.
First of all, Lamont is answering questions from 7-8pm EST tonight, at Connecticut Local Politics. Good to see him stepping out of the shadows and into the blogosphere!
Secondly, ATalbot of My Left Nutmeg has posted a great write-up of the Lamont event in Hartford last night, with a full transcript and photos (including the shot above). Some highlights:
However, it was when he rose to speak that Mr. Lamont truly hit his stride. He opened by stating that two facts led him to consider entering the race: The Alaska "Bridge to Nowhere" and Bush's "War to Nowhere", Iraq.
Lamont chastized Democrats for not asking the tough questions during the leadup to the Iraq war and that Lieberman had instead chosen to be a "cheerleader for the president." He said that it was because of this fear to speak truth to power that we now find ourselves "looking down the barrel of a bloody stalemate in Iraq."
Thirdly, My Left Nutmeg reports on the following progress with the Lamont campaign:
- Expect a web site by the end of the month.
- The "listening tour," with more informal events like the one in Hartford, will continue throughout the state. No schedule was forthcoming when I asked, but I'll try to keep you posted via this blog. (Assistance gratefully accepted!)
- No word on when people will be able to open their wallets and contribute.
- Don't expect a formal announcement of a Lamont candidacy until March, assuming it happens at all.
Also, for anyone living close to CT, there will be a 105-day window before the state convention for collecting signatures to get Lamont on the primary ballot. The earliest the convention can be held is early May.
So all you progressive Dems, start blocking out time between April 26 and May 2 for an all-out signature gathering blitz. Schedule vacation time, call in sick. Whatever it takes, we're going to make this happen.
Mark your calendars! Things are starting to roll here, folks!