Sorry Joe but now it's time to go...

To: Senator Joseph Lieberman

As a former CT resident, supporter and intern in your Washington DC office, your recent Democratic Primary loss pains me. Why? Because you're a good man - good for CT and good for the country and the right person for the job. Are you too close to the President? A Republican in Democrat's clothing? Of course not. You're a politician and a prudent, talented and committed one at that - a bit of a rarity in DC (you always were).

Anyone who knows anything about how the Senate operates knows that Ned Lamont (should he be elected) will be significantly less effective as a proponent for the state than you are and as he says he'll be. Profile’s important on the national stage and seniority is key in Senatorial politics… New Senators have zero standing...he's gonna end up on Agriculture and Veterans Affairs. You're on Homeland Security/Government Affairs and Armed Services and you’ve used your standing judiciously to fight the Bush administration on issues of security and to prop up CT’s lagging defense industry but all won't be lost... the citizens of CT will still get what they deserve...I’m sure Ned will do well by CT farmers…

It's unfortunate that voters don't know how things in Congress really work. Otherwise they might have thought a bit harder. But we both know that they're reactionary. They hear what they want to hear (which this nanosecond is a vociferous anti-Iraq war message). They vote with their hearts and wallets rather than with their heads. But you know all this - you're a seasoned pro. And you had to anticipate that some parts of your recent past would come back to haunt you in this race (the hug, UGG! Joe). Your bid for a fourth term has fallen victim to the adept manipulation of voter emotion and crafty rhetoric. Maybe someone even crashed your website on Election Day. Sometimes chicken, sometimes feathers Joe.

But now it's time to face reality, be a mench and use your head. Politics is just wacky enough these days to make a Republican senator from CT feasible (remember good'ol Lowell Weiker?). And headcount is too critical this election for you to run as an independent and risk being the spoiler. Headcount is what it's all about...not experience, talent or committment. No openings for the GOP this year Joe - you've got to bow out, swallow your pride and back Ned for the sake of the Party, the State and everything else you stand for. I'm sure Ned will learn the ropes and become an effective advocate for CT...or at the very least, be a good newby and vote the party line.

This isn't the end of Joe...just Joe how we know ya. You're a force. No one disputes your contributions. Grace and dignity will open other doors for you down the road. You've still got your friends in the Party...for the moment - don't force their hands, make 'em turn against you. In the next administration - a DEMOCRATIC administration, I'm sure there'll be a cabinet post or ambassadorship for you. Follow George Mitchell’s lead - find another way to make a difference. You can start now by making sure that the base isn't divided in November and that the state remains a Democratic stronghold.