TPM: Lieberman Opposes Public Option Despite Strong Support in Connecticut

[flpoljunkie]

Lieberman Opposes Public Option Despite Strong Support in Connecticut

Brian Beutler
September 15, 2009

Seems like only yesterday, Democratic leaders were telling supporters they supported Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-CT) because "he's with us on everything but the war in Iraq."

That maxim doesn't actually extend to health care, though. Lieberman has come out against a number of aspects of the Democrats' health care reform proposal, including the public option...despite strong support for the measure in Connecticut.

A new Research 2000 poll commissioned by Daily Kos finds that 68 percent of likely voters in Connecticut support a public option, while only 21 percent oppose.

Things get a bit more interesting, though, when you look at the internals.

Among Democrats, for the public option wins out wins out an astonishing 83-8 margin of support. And among independents, it's an almost as impressive 73-15. Only among Republicans does opposition outpace support, 33-55.

So Lieberman's advocating against the wishes of almost all Democrats and independents and about a third of all Republicans. Maybe that helps explains why, if the 2012 elections were held this year, he'd be in terrible shape.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/09/lieberman-opposes-public-option-despite-strong-support-in-connecticut.php

(Lieberman is in fact trailing in the latest poll.)

A new DailyKos/Research 2000 poll in Connecticut looks ahead to the 2012 U.S. Senate race and finds Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) losing badly in a three-way race.

In one match up, Gov. Jodi Rell (R) leads with 46% with Ned Lamont (D) and Lieberman tied at 26%. In another, Rell leads with 40%, followed by Richard Blumenthal (D) at 32% and Lieberman at 23%.

While 47% have a favorable opinion of Lieberman, 50% do not.

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2009/09/15/lieberman_faces_tough_re-election_fight_in_2012.html