Could somebody knowledgable about US politics please help me?

[AusGail]

If Joe lieberman was defeated by Ned Lamont, does that mean Ned Lamont represents the Democratic Party in November half term elections?

If Joe was defeated and decides to run as an independent, doesnt that mean he will be going against the party that had supported him in every way, especially financially?

If Joe has already made the statement that he is running as an independent, shouldnt he be expelled from the party immediately?

If what I have read is true, the way Joe is carrying on right now, is the exact reason why his constituents have turned their backs on him.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

1. Your key question:

If Joe has already made the statement that he is running as an independent, shouldnt he be expelled from the party immediately?

[caligirl]

2. Yes,yes,yes,yes!!!!!! Joe is a Bushbot,.

[Ediacara]

3. It's complicated

Lieberman has said that if he wins as an Independent, he'll rejoin the Democratic party and caucus with them in the Senate, but as for this election, Lamont is the one and only Democrat on the ballot. As for money, that's also complicated. Schumer has said some conflicting things concerning DSCC money going to Lieberman as an independent, initially saying it would go to Lieberman no matter what, then backing off (IIRC).

[Canuckistanian]

4. Yes, yes and yes.

Joe seems to think that the seat belongs to him, even without his party's (and his state's) support.

So it seems he's left his party by declaring himself an independent.

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

5. Yes, Ned Lamont is the official Democratic nominee for the Senate

in Connecticut. As for expelling Mr. Sore Loser, I personally think it's a great idea, but I don't expect it to happen. If the party leaders in the Senate do, I'll be completely gobsmacked....

[CottonBear]

6. Yes to all 4 questions. n/t

[The Magistrate]

7. The Short Answers, Ma'am

Yes, Mr. Lamont is now the nominee of the Party, and its representative in the Senate race in Connecticutt.

Yes, Lieberman is now going against the Party that has supported him lo these many years.

People are very seldom expelled from a party in this country. Lieberman will continue to Caucus, or meet, with the Democtratic Senators, and continue to hold committee assignments from the Minority Leader. He claims he will, of elected as an independent, continue to caucus with the Democrats, rather than with the Republicans. There are several independent members of Congress who do this; it is not unheard of.

In my view, you are quite correct that the flaws of character revealed in this contest are leading reasons a majority Lieberman's constituents in the rank and file of the Party have set their faces against him today.

[AusGail]

8. If the Democratic Party does not expel Joe

Doesn't that give Joe an advantage over Lamont?

If Joe runs against Lamont he is taking vital votes away from Lamont. I'm sure Joe still has some personal following and I feel that he is jeopardizing the Democrats of a deserved win.

He should now be out on his ass.

[Kickin_Donkey]

11. Expelling politicans from political parties ...

is virtually unheard of in America. I haven't heard of a single case of this ever happening in U.S. history.

Expelling people from parties reeks of a sort of Stalinism that would offend most Americans of any stripe. It has the whiff of authoritarianism, not democratic egalitarianism (come to think of it, I wouldn't put it past the current Republican mob to start officially purging "wayward" members).

Besides, Washington political society is supposed to be polite in the salons, despite what comes over the airwaves. Joe's been in the Senate going on 18 years, so he's part of the Old Boys Club. They might withhold political funds from him, but they would certainly not kick him out of the party.

[AusGail]

14. In Australian politics you cannot run as an independent

and also claim you represent the party, after losing in the primary (we call preselection). A similar thing happened in our last election in 2004. A potential candidate lost his position in preselection, he "spat the dummy" and ran as an independent against the legitimate candidate of that party and lost them valuable votes. Because of his actions, he was expelled from his party.

Our system does differ to the extent that politicians are expected to vote along party lines all the time. There are the occasional exceptions to the rule, but it does seem to work for us.

[Oversea Visitor]

9. Hello Australia

Nice to an American people victory...... being such a while

[Critters2]

10. Yes on all counts

Wacky, huh?

[Superman Returns]

12. Its scary to think but...

by still supporting Lieberman over Lamont, its like saying democracy or the will of the people make no difference. However, with Rahm Emanuel's statements along with Evan Bayh's endorsement, I don't think the Dems would be that supid. Hillary even put out a check to Lamont. Bottom line, they know who their sugar daddy is, whether they like it or not. I expect to see Edwards, Clark, and maybe Kerry, soon come out in favor of Lamont.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

13. The answer to all your questions is, basically, YES.