Ned Lamont's stunning defeat of Joe Lieberman in Connecticut's Democratic primary on Tuesday has sent shockwaves across the political landscape. It has also sent a warning to Democrats and Republicans alike: supporting the failed policies of the Bush administration can be hazardous to your political health.
The defeat of someone of Lieberman's stature--in a primary no less--is nothing short of monumental. And it signals the start of a very uneasy election season for Bush and his cronies. Here we have a three-term incumbent whose support from his own party has been crippled through the efforts of a grassroots campaign run by a political neophyte. And by all accounts the dissatisfaction with Lieberman seems to stem directly from his cozy relationship with the Bush administration.
Tuesday's events are perhaps the most damning indictment of the Bush administration thus far. As the President's approval ratings continue to fall across the country, barely able to climb out of the 30 percent range in most places, Lieberman has become the first of what will surely be many dominoes to fall due to his outspoken support of Bush and his policies.
Just imagine how much trouble Peter King is in.
King is the last Republican congressman on Long Island. Representing a district where nearly three-quarters of the population disapproves of the President and his policies, King has acted as a rubber stamp for the administration, voting with him over 85 percent of the time. He has called himself "George Bush's man in Congress" (New York Times 11/3/02) and said "I thank God every night that George Bush is our President. You should do the same."
"I support the president when I feel he is right...and am against him when I feel he is wrong," King says. Well, he must think George Bush is right about 85 percent of the time. Still, Peter King doesn't think he's in danger to the same fate as Lieberman. You know why? Because, he says, "fortunately, [his district] is not composed of the left-wing bigots who went after Joe Lieberman."
So, if you supported Ned Lamont, Peter King thinks you're a bigot. If you are against the failed policies of the Bush administration, Peter King thinks you're a bigot. If you think America needs a change in leadership, Peter King thinks you're a bigot.
Peter King really needs to wake up. His constituents are overwhelmingly opposed to the Bush administration, and his lock-step support for Bush's disastrous policies is putting him in danger of being another incumbent swept from office on Election Day. With your help, we can take out one of Bush's most reliable rubber stamps, and send someone to Congress who will ask the tough questions and hold the administration accountable for their failed policies.
Dave Mejias
Democrat for Congress, NY-03
DaveForAmerica.com
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PS -- I'll be appearing on Howie Klein's series Blue America on FireDogLake this Saturday at 2:00 pm ET/11:00 am PT. Please stop by and join the discussion!