Lieberman's Bustamante play could pay off in California primary

[Judi Lynn]

Lieberman's Bustamante play could pay off in California primary
Associated Press

August 28, 2003


FRESNO, Calif. -- Months ago, Cruz Bustamante endorsed Joe Lieberman when the presidential candidate needed a boost. So when Bustamante sought support for his gubernatorial bid in California's Oct. 7 recall election, he found an early ally in Lieberman.

This political marriage could pay dividends for both men. Bustamante, the state's lieutenant governor, needs support among national party leaders while Lieberman's ailing Democratic presidential campaign craves attention and political clout.

The Connecticut senator is the only candidate in the nine-person Democratic presidential race urging Californians to vote for Bustamante in case Democratic Gov. Gray Davis is recalled.

"What we want more than anything else is for the recall effort to fail," Lieberman spokesman Jano Cabrera said. "But the senator certainly supports Californians having a choice and he is certainly supportive of Cruz Bustamante."

The Lieberman-Bustamante political marriage began in May when Bustamante backed Lieberman's struggling presidential bid.

Richie Ross, a Bustamante campaign consultant said he asked Cruz: "'Why would you be for Lieberman, his politics aren't the same as yours?' And he said, 'He's the only guy who has ever shown me any respect.' (snip/...)

http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/local/state/hc-28015815.apds.m0829.bc-ct--recaaug28,0,2595957.story?coll=hc-headlines-local-wire

[sfwriter]

1. Who the hell did this reporter talk to?

As near as I can tell, NOBODY in California is voting for Lieberman.

-Sandy

[tlb]

2. As the hero who saved Ca from Arnold

Governor Bustamante could put weight behind Leiberman that might change that.

It's an interesting scenerio.

[liberalnurse]

3. Bustamante will count his blessings if he gets

the election...He won't taint his new found position with Lieberman.
He can always say he is really busy with his new job.....Lieberman will drop out soon....then the problem is gone.

[CWebster]

4. what happened to the

Left coast anyway?

The best you have to offer is Lieberman's man. you folks need to organize out there big time.

[jiacinto]

5. So now what?

Should everyone vote Green because--heaven forbid!!--Bustamente supports Lieberman? Is Bustamente now the anti-christ who prefers Israel to both California and America? Is Bustamente a Republican now because--oh my God--he is sympathetic toward Joe Lieberman, the Great Satan of DU. So now is Bustamente going to be called a DINO? And will all of DU now vote Green because--oh my God--Barabara Lee or Maxine Waters are not on replacement ballot and Che Guevera isn't running either? What to do! I guess that maybe Bustamente needs to be "sent a message", which can be done by voting Green and electing Arnold!

But in all seriousness I really hope that people don't think like that as we need a Bustamente victory. And it would be really stupid to tag him by guilt of association.

[CWebster]

6. What's with you and all the green-baiting and

liberal-bashing, jiacinto?

You know what Lieberman's standing with the base is. You would think that the "Left coast" would have something less "dino" to offer than the likes of Davis and Bustamente.

It would seem that the only thing prompting you to post would be liberal-bashing, and well, don't you think enough of that goes on outside of here?

[jiacinto]

7. I know what Lieberman's standing at DU is

That doesn't mean that DU necessarily reflects the opinions of registered Democrats either. A large number of people here are Greens, Socialists, Anarchists, and Communists. I am not bashing the left. I am being critical of those who would use this opportunity to help swing the election to Arnold by voting for Camejo.

As for Lieberman I could also say that it is a matter of "Jewish bashing".

[David__77]

8. I welcome Lieberman to come to CA!

I don't support his presidential bid, but EVERYONE who opposes this recall--and I hope that includes most Greens or whoever else on the left (Peace and Freedom opposes it), should welcome Lieberman and any other prominant national leader to come campaign against it.

[LimpingLib]

9. FALSE I heard Dean at least weeks ago.....

..say he would vote for the LT Governor if Davis was recalled.

And obviousilly its a bit disturbing to see Bustamante endorse Liebermann but Im sure he figured it was better to try and look moderate and "mainstream" to get support from the national party and to blunt right wing anti Hispanic propaganda so as to not be hurt in future races for political office (which has now come thanks to the recall fiasco ) .

Id be delighted to see a Latino executive in the nations largest state . Today New Mexico , tomorrow California , and soon Arizona (the current Governor has a Latino name but I never heard anybody describe her as such so maybe its her husbands name or some distant family ancestor name) Nevada, Texas, etc. . This recall (however hippocritical ...shesh... deficit rational ..hope voters remember that when Bush is up) could be a fantastic advancment toward our government representing ALL its citizens in the event that Bustamante become Governor. Anotherowrds the right wing scheme could backfire and hit them right where it hurts ( and TRUST me the right wing white's hate having minoritys lead them especially their state and will go to no limits to smear Bustamante's good name the split second he is sworn in).