You know why the RNC won't endorse CT Senate candidate Schlesinger.

[elperromagico]

Maybe I'm a Johnny-come-lately here, saying something we all already know, but it all makes sense.

It's not just that he can't win. It's not just that Lieberman supports the war. Look at how hard they pushed for Chafee, who voted against the war.

Clearly, the bulk of Schlesinger's vote comes from Republicans. An endorsement of, or a concerted effort behind, Schlesinger will draw more Republicans into his camp.

This is where it gets fun. For Lieberman to win in a three way race against a left-of-center Democrat, he has to pick up Republican and independent votes. If Schlesinger has even a slight momentum from an RNC endorsement, Joe can't siphon off enough Repub votes to beat Lamont. Even if Schlesinger managed 20% of the vote, it would likely be enough to keep Lieberman from winning.

The RNC has made a pragmatic choice. They would rather have a Republican in that seat, obviously, but backing the Republican would likely elect a liberal Democrat. So they've settled, however tacitly, for Lieberman. And they've left Schlesinger out to twist in the wind.

[funflower]

1. Yep. That's it. n/t

[NoAmericanTaliban]

2. The GOP is cutting & running from their own party candidate

They are afraid of 'anti-war' like Lamont winning & being on key committees and investigating some of their crimes. Lieberman is seen as a victory over an 'anti-war' candidate.

[elperromagico]

3. Remember too that Lieberman has experience courting Republicans.

Lieberman beat Lowell Weicker in his first Senate race in '88 by running to the right of Weicker, a liberal Republican.

Clearly, Lieberman is using the same tactic in running against Lamont. With Schlesinger effectively sidelined by his own party, it's that much easier to pull it off.