The Party Of One

John Orman, a political science professor at Fairfield University, and critic of Senator Lieberman, is the new chairman and the only member of the Connecticut for Lieberman Party.

Lieberman formed the political party after he lost the Democratic primary to Lamont.

After Lieberman won the November election, Orman contacted the secretary of the state, learned the Connecticut for Lieberman Party had no registered members, switched his registered affiliation from Democrat to Connecticut for Lieberman:

"Then I went home and called a meeting of all registered Connecticut for Lieberman members to reflect on our party's victory in the U.S. Senate race (and) organize and submit rules to the secretary of the state," Orman said.

He nominated himself chairman, seconded the nomination, cast his vote for himself and proceeded to establish party rules.

Orman said the "party" is upset that Lieberman has abandoned it and says he is an "Independent Democrat."

"I want to organize it as a group that will keep (Lieberman) accountable," Orman said. "It will be dedicated to critics, opponents, bloggers. . . . I'm just trying to carry it to the next step."

There is a serious side to this. Orman is continuing to challenge the legitimacy of the Connecticut for Lieberman Party. Perhaps the professor has made his point. Still, it is a good thing that anyone who can get enough valid signatures is able to get on the ballot in Connecticut.