Lamont campaign blasts Lieberman for "noncombatant" statement

With Joe Lieberman showing his true Republican colors yesterday, the Lamont campaign comes out swinging.

Comments by Joe Lieberman yesterday in New Haven raised troubling new questions about the Senator's support for Democratic efforts to take control of the U.S. House of Representatives this November. In response to questions, Lieberman refused to endorse the candidacies of Diane Farrell, Joe Courtney and Chris Murphy, saying, "I'm a noncombatant. I am not going to be involved in other campaigns." However, Lieberman's dismissal of the Democratic House challengers comes just one day after he campaigned with Republican incumbent Congressman Rob Simmons in Groton and is in sharp contrast to his post-primary statements that the endorsements still stood. Lamont's endorsements have not changed.

"This election is about change vs. the status quo, and once again it is clear that Joe Lieberman has put himself on the side of the status quo," Lamont Campaign Manager Tom Swan said today. "Democrats and independents in Connecticut are working hard to change the country's direction by electing Diane Farrell, Joe Courtney, and Chris Murphy to Congress. Unfortunately Joe Lieberman has chosen to campaign with Republicans rather than support a new direction for America."

"It is outrageous that Joe Lieberman would call himself a neutral in the state's critical House races just one day after campaigning with a Republican Congressman," Swan said. "Who does he think he is fooling? Time and time again Mr. Lieberman has chosen to side with the Bush Cheney team rather than stand with Connecticut voters seeking change in Washington."

Lieberman (R-CT)