New Haven Independent

MoveOn claims it has 50,000 members in Connecticut. The views on which it rallies its nationwide membership mirror the positions Lamont has taken to distinguish himself from Lieberman: opposition to the Iraq War, to the Bush administration’s assault on civil liberties, for universal health care, against the Bush administration’s energy bill, limiting the influence of corporate money on campaigns. MoveOn held an online vote this week to decide whether to make an endorsement in the primary race for Connecticut’s open senate seat. It announced the results Friday morning.

The biggest significance of the vote is money. Lieberman is outraising and outspending Lamont by about 3 to 1. MoveOn has the potential to raise millions of dollars for Lamont nationwide.

“Now that we’ve decided together to support Lamont, please consider making a contribution to his campaign by clicking on the link below,” Executive Director Eli Pariser wrote in an e-mail to members Friday. “Senator Lieberman has a war chest of over $4.2 million—so Ned will need all of our help to wage a good campaign. Can you chip in a few bucks to help elect a new Democratic senator for Connecticut?”

Lieberman spokeswoman Marion Steinfels downplayed the vote.

“Just as we expected, Joe Lieberman didn’t become the next American Idol this week either,” she said. “The primary we’re focused on takes place on Aug. 8.”

Retorted Lamont campaign manager Tom Swan: “While Joe was getting an award from another of George Bush’s best friends, thousands of Connecticut voters were voting for change and voting for Ned Lamont.” Swan was referring to a group Lieberman has helped revive along with Reagan administration alums like Jeane Kirkpatrick, called the Committee on the Present Danger.