Ricky Santorum is attacking his Democratic opponent, Bob Casey, for endorsing Ned Lamont, the Democratic candidate in CT. Then he extolls the virtures of Joe Lieberman. While he's at it, Santorum panders to Jewish voters, reminding them of the Lieberman connection and dedication to Israel.
Here's the letter they sent out:
Bob Casey, Jr. has traveled across the Commonwealth claiming that he is independent and stands outside of Democrat party lines on important issues. He also continues to criticize Senator Santorum for working with President Bush on important issues -- issues like protecting Israel and efforts to stabilize the Middle East.
Recently, U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman, a well-known supporter of Israel and the Jewish community, lost a narrow Democratic primary election in Connecticut against challenger Ned Lamont. As you may know, Lieberman has decided to run as an Independent in the upcoming general election. You may not be shocked to find out that Bobby Casey, Jr. DOES NOT SUPPORT Senator Lieberman in the upcoming election.Below is what Bobby Casey, Jr. told the Washington Times (8/10/06):
WASHINGTON TIMES (To Casey, Jr.): Who do you support in the Connecticut Senate race between Senator Joe Lieberman, the independent, and Democratic nominee Ned Lamont?
Bobby Casey, Jr.: I've always supported Democratic nominees. I think it's important to endorse, support Democratic nominees.
Once again, Bob Casey, Jr. has proven that, if elected, he will be incapable of bridging the gap between two parties to address serious issues and will continue to play follow-the-leader within the Democratic Party.
In fact, it is Senator Santorum who has reached across the aisle and worked with numerous leaders and groups, regardless of party affiliation, on issues critical to the Jewish community.
Senator Santorum has worked with Senator Lieberman on several important issues involving Israel. Sen. Lieberman cosponsored two of Sen. Santorum's bills: The Iran Freedom and Support Act, which would hold the current regime in Iran accountable for its threatening behavior and to support a transition to democracy in Iran; and The Syrian Accountability Act, which halts Syrian support for terrorism, ends its occupation of Lebanon, stops its development of weapons of mass destruction, ceases its illegal importation of Iraqi oil, and holds Syria accountable for its role in the Middle East.
Rick Santorum has pledged that he will continue to support Israel. Please join him today by signing up to help at www.JewishVotersForSantorum.com.
Sincerely,
Luke Bernstein
Deputy Campaign Manager
It's not surprising the whole Republican party is sucking up to Lieberman. Word has it that Lieberman will be offered Rumsfeld's job. He'll resign the senate seat. Connecticut's republican governor will appoint a republican senate replacement, probably one of the republican congress people, if any are elected... or not. The Republicans will have Joe out of the way and another Republican senate seat, without any effort to win a race. It's an interesting scenario, though just a rumor.