Ned (Lamont) makes gains in a 3-way race

Like we’ve said all along, it would be best for the Democratic Party is Senator Lieberman pledged his support for the winner, but we’ll win in a primary and a general if necessary:

Rasmussen Reports conducted some three-way polling.

Joseph Lieberman (Ind): 44% (-3)
Ned Lamont (Dem): 29% (+9)
Alan Schlesinger (Rep): 15% (-2)

It’s incumbent upon Senator Lieberman to support the winner of the primary, for the good of the party. We’ll hold the senate seat with a Ned victory, but vulnerable Republican congressional candidates are already using some of Senator Lieberman’s conservative positions against their Democratic opponents. It’s an ugly tactic, but could be effective. As Former Democratic Party Chairman George Jepsen said, a Ned win will allow Democrats to speak with one voice. And we’ll need one voice if we are to retake the House and Governor’s Mansion in November.

http://nedlamont.com/blog

And from the Rasmussen Reports:

The size of Senator Joseph Lieberman's advantage in his reelection bid depends on which general-election race Connecticut voters are asked about.

The latest Rasmussen Reports poll of the race shows likely voters awarding Lieberman an almost-forty-point lead, 61% to 23%, over Republican Alan Schlesinger, assuming Lieberman runs as a Democrat.

When voters consider him as an Independent, though, he collects just 44% support, versus Democrat Ned Lamont's 29% and Schlesinger's 15%. Our April survey showed Lamont winning only 20% in a three-way scenario.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2006/State%20Polls/June%202006/connecticutsenate06162006.htm

Lieberman bests him by forty points. Does Lamont compare as favorably?

...but that will change. Ned seems to be changing minds very quickly.

Lieberman's had 18 years and Al Gore to pump his name recognition, so you'd have to figure he'd do better than a newcomer. What I wonder is, are Lamont's number such that Democratic voters tempted to vote form him may hesitate before they do out of concern they may have less of a chance to prevail in November than with Lieberman.

Anyone know what the straight-up Lieberman v Lamont is looking like?

Lieberman 46%
Lamont 40%

I have been doing some phone banking for Lamont, and I can tell you that there is a LOT more enthusiasm for Ned than for Joe.