New Haven Independent

Anti-war and pro-war chants soon clashed in the foyer of Hartford’s Connecticut Expo Center. Someone asked Lamont when he’d take that war debate — which, combined with extreme personal wealth and a network of grassroots online support, has catapulted him out of anonymity in just two months — to the next level: Debating Joe. The two have not yet done so, but Lamont says he’s ready to face off. “I’d be delighted to talk about the issues.”
Lieberman was at home in New Haven late Friday observing the Jewish Sabbath. His campaign couldn’t be reached that late in the night to answer the offer.
The incumbent’s campaign staff framed the evening as vote of stable popularity. Marion Steinfels, Lieberman’s campaign spokeswoman, spun the news this way: Even given recent polls showing anger with the way the country’s headed — even “with that anger and wanting change, they voted decisively for Joe Lieberman.”
What’s on tap for the Senator’s campaign in the weeks preceding the primary? The campaign’s opening an office in New Haven on Sunday. (Lamont did so earlier this month).
Lamont won 505 votes out of a total 1,509, earning roughly twice as many as he needed to win a spot on the primary ballot. If he hadn’t won, he could have still got on the ballot by collecting signatures — a task his campaign has been fervently working on, with 500 people on the roads.
“I was very pleasantly surprised,” said Lamont, who beforehand predicted he’d get only the bare minimum 15 percent he needed. “I think 33 percent is a real message to President Bush” that “it’s time to start bringing those brave troops home.”
How does the candidate intend to capture the votes of average Democrats, not just insiders? “An old-fashioned, grassroots, democratic effort,” said Lamont.