Political insiders and expressing the obvious

Joe could lose this thing.

National Democratic insiders aren't pulling many punches when it comes to Sen. Joe Lieberman's (D-CT) primary in Connecticut against businessman Ned Lamont. They are saying that Lieberman could lose.

The senator is having considerable problems with older white men, and his allies are counting on strong support in the minority community and from women to squeeze out a victory over the anti-war challenger.

But Republicans did Lieberman no favor this week with recent floor votes on Iraq, and the senator stayed true to his principles by voting against both Democratic resolutions. That undoubtedly gave Lamont and the anti-Lieberman crowd more ammunition to make their "he's out of touch with us" argument.

Lieberman's refusal to say that he will abide by the results of the primary and rule out an Independent bid is also giving Lamont's folks just what they want -- evidence that Lieberman isn't a "real" Democrat.

This part of the article is EXACTLY the same thing I'm hearing here in Connecticut.

Many insiders seem to believe that allies of Lieberman will begin a petition drive to get him on the ballot as an Independent sooner rather than later, just in case that's the only way for him to appear on the ballot in the fall. So even though the Democratic left could score a victory in the primary in August, Lieberman might still have the last laugh in November.

I'm not sure about the last laugh. If Joe jumps ship, it will not only piss off Democrat voters, it will also make it easier for people who were forced to support Lieberman publicly, to finally denounce George Bush's favorite Democrat.

Joe, we're waiting for you to collect just one signature before the primary. It's just a matter of time.