I was wondering just how Lieberman can run as an Independent and win, rather than throwing the election to the Republican. In 2000, he did 64% of the vote, so he might expect that if the Republicans can’t beat the 35% figure in 2000, he could win 40-24 over Lamont. But Connecticut is far from a 65% Democratic state — the Republican governor seems likely to be reelected — and my guess was that the Republicans would be energized by the chance of winning over the divided Democrats-plus-Independents.
Yet a bit of digging suggests that the Republican candidate seems very weak. Rasmussen Reports says:
[Republican candidate] Alan Schlesinger, viewed favorably by only 31%, loses badly no matter how the election is sliced. In yet another curve ball thrown into the race, Schlesinger has even been pressured by some to drop out because of questions about his past as a gambler. Conceivably, the GOP could then hand the nomination to Lieberman, and a rumor has been circulating to that effect. Let’s just say this is one race that won’t be over ’til it’s over.
Doesn’t say much about the Connecticut Republican party, sorry to say.