New Haven Independent

Lamont, whose underdog challenge from the left has soared to a lead in the polls, answered questions from a gaggle of local and national reporters outside his Church Street headquarters in downtown New Haven around 5:45 p.m. He started the day campaigning in New London at 5 a.m.

After Lamont expressed confidence that he’ll prevail in Tuesday’s too-close-to-call contest, MSNBC National Affairs Writer Tom Curry (in center of photo) asked him whether Connecticut’s military contractors have “reason to feel nervous” about a victory by the tagged “antiwar” candidate. Lamont has made his opposition to the Iraq War his central, though not only, issue; Lieberman has been the war’s most prominent Democratic Party defender.

“That’s nonsense,” Lamont responded. “President Bush has weakened this country” by failing to work with the U.S.’s allies abroad.

Lamont said he supports the country having a “strong defense” in fighting the “war on terrorism.”

“Connecticut’s defense industry is going to be at the forefront of that,” he vowed.

Lamont was also asked about Lieberman’s 11th-hour remarks seeking to clarify his views on Iraq and his independence from the Republican Bush administration.

“Has he gotten the message?” Lamont asked rhetorically. The suggestion was not. “He still supports the war in Iraq. He still voted for the Cheney energy bill.”