(crossposted from La Resistance)
Today is the big day. I should say, the first in a series of big days, culminating in the election of Ned Lamont to the U.S. Senate in November. Today is the official announcement of Ned Lamont's candidacy. So far, he's raised over $84,642.16 through ActBlue, earned the support of more than 1,000 volunteers from across the state, made an appearance on Air America Radio (download here) with Sam Seder, and even gotten ol' Joementum a little riled up, as detailed at LamontBlog.
If you can make it today, please come. If you cannot, please send your friends. The announcement is at 4:00pm, but you should arrive early. Here are the details:
Please join us for the official announcement of Ned Lamont's candidacy for U.S. Senate.
Monday March 13th, 4:00 PM
Old State House
800 Main Street
Hartford, CT 06103
[Directions and Parking][Google Map]
Ned Lamont is also featured in today's Hartford Courant:
Lamont is the founder of Lamont Digital, a company that wires college campuses and private communities for cable television. He mentioned he also teaches a class at a high school in Bridgeport.
His political role model?
Bill Bradley, the former U.S. senator from New Jersey, a man Lamont described as having a progressive heart and an instinct for problem-solving.
His thoughts on the Bush administration's No Child Left Behind?
"It was conceived in folly."
Immigration?
"I am a strong supporter of more legal immigration."
The environment?
"I think the environment is going to have to be at the core of everything we do."
Would he impeach Bush?
"I'm not an impeachment guy. I can't stand the thought of President Cheney."
How would he stay in touch with constituents?
"I'd come to Dos Amigos every month."
One of the last questions was the one he waited for all night. Miller, who nearly left before Lamont got to speak, asked for the sign-up sheet for volunteers.
"I'm impressed," Miller said. "He seemed like a true liberal. He spoke nicely and gave opinions, not spin. I'm going to support him."
That's how it goes. I went out to meet Ned Lamont for the first time back in January, expecting to find fault with the man. I never thought that a "Greenwich Millionaire" could be a card-carrying progressive Democrat. I was wrong. Ned Lamont is the real deal. I know that everyone who meets him with an open mind will support him. (Obviously, he isn't going to win over any Republicans, his Democratic credentials are solid, a key point of difference between him and Joe...a DINO).