Connecticut's Democrats had most of the staples at their summer picnic Sunday _ pasta salad, burgers and speeches about serving blue-collar workers and taking back the governor's seat. But one longtime fixture of Democratic party gatherings was absent: U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, the party's former vice presidential candidate.
While he stayed out of the public eye Sunday, political allies with whom he'd campaigned and served for decades _ including fellow U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd _ cheered on his Democratic opponent, Greenwich millionaire Ned Lamont, with the same adoration they once showered upon Lieberman.
Lieberman, who lost last month's party primary to Lamont, is running an independent campaign against Lamont and Republican Alan Schlesinger to retain the seat he has held for 18 years.
Lieberman was not invited to the picnic, and his name was never mentioned in the speeches. The only evidence of his existence was the lone Lieberman campaign worker who regularly appears at Lamont events to videotape Lamont's speeches.
Dodd, who said his schedule has prevented him from seeing or speaking with Lieberman since the night of the Aug. 8 party primary, said the election should be about broader public policy issues, not personalities.
"It's no secret I worked very hard for Joe to win the Democratic nomination," Dodd said. "I'm sorry he didn't, but the Democrats have spoken and I respect their choice."