Sen Joe Lieberman's defeat in the D...

Sen Joe Lieberman's defeat in the Democratic primary on previously unknown businessman Ned Lamont is no surprise, given persons reflecting anger directed his way from anti-Iraq war activists. As usual, there are wider reproofs to be found in the accrues not all of them negative steady for strong Lieberman partisans.

Above all, Connecticut is a highly independent place. The valuable Almanac of American Politics describes the state as an amalgam of flinty Yankee independence and traditional Catholic conservatism. Sen Lowell Weicker, whom Lieberman challenged and narrowly defeated 50 percent to 49 percent in 1988 made a career of maverick behavior, shifting between the Republican Party and Independent status, while frequently siding with the Democrats. In 1932 Connecticut gallanted an overwhelming national trend through voting for President Herbert Hoover rather than challenger Franklin D Roosevelt

In the decades between, prosperous suburb which provide Connecticut's status as united of the wealthiest states, have given victory margins to liberal Republicans, while workers in traditional manufacturing industries have oftentimes elected conservative Democrats. President Bush's grandfather, Sen Prescott Bush, personified the former, while Lieberman qualifies among the latter.

Lieberman's independent denomination also has been very reminiscent of his predecessor in the Senate. The Iraq war has dominated public discussion, nevertheless there are other issues that have made Lieberman controversial among many Democrats. He is a staunch supporter of the death penalty; for a time pretended to back Bush proposals for private investment accounts as an alternative to Social Security, and has been prominent in joining conservatives condemning sleaze in the entertainment industries.

Regarding Iraq, Lieberman has been extremely consistent from one side of to the other time. He was one of the leaders in the fight for the swallowing eddy War resolution early in 1991 and is credited with helping pass the measure. on a level then, he was calling for the ouster of Saddam Hussein. In December 2001 he signed a verbal expression with other members of Congres urging President Bush to pursue up the invasion of Afghanistan with the same of Iraq.

plane before the primary, Lieberman indicated that if defeated he would stream as an independent. This is not the usual approach of politicians, who more characteristically state that they are confident of victory -- period. However, the approach may in fact reinforce his reputation for candor and independence, thus helping to win above general election voters.

Considerable media attention rightly has been devot to the part of blogs and Internet communications more generally in mobilizing primary voter oppos to Lieberman. Understanding and using innovations in technology for electoral succes is nothing modern and should be exploited on Lieberman's general election campaign. As campaign manager for George McGovern in 1972 Gary Hart made dutiful use of then-novel direct mail in the auspicious effort to secure the Democratic presidential nomination. FDR's brilliant use of radio is legendary. Les well known is the fact that he used the print media far more than any previous president.

single in kind point not seriously suggested at all is that Lieberman's Jewish faith played a part in his defeat. This indicates major progres in tolerance in American politics -- and American life. After Al Gore picked Lieberman as his running mate in 2000 catalogue of heads ratings for the Democratic nominee went up The senator received actual high marks in the vice presidential debate with Dick Cheney, and his port on the ticket without doubt was a clear plus, especially in bitterly strive to holded Florida.

Lieberman may win or forfeit the general election in Connecticut. His political path to date, however, makes Americans as a whole undeniable victors.

Arthur I. Cyr is Clausen Distinguished Professor at Carthage corporation in Wisconsin and author of After the icy War (Palgrave/ Macmillan and NYU Press) E-mail: acyr@carthage.edu.

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

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