Since Connecticut is a solidly blue state, whoever wins the Democratic primary - Joe Lieberman or Ned Lamont - is likely to win the general election. So why are Democratic Senators like Joe Biden, Ken Salazar, and Barbara Boxer going way out of their way - and way out on a limb - to support Lieberman in a primary that will be decided by Connecticut Democratic voters?

If they read progressive blogs at all - and by now one would assume they do - they certainly know that the Democratic "base" hates Lieberman and will be furious at his defenders. That's why Hillary Clinton announced she will support the winner of the Democratic primary, even if that isn't Lieberman.

So what political calculation would outweigh this for Biden, Salazar and Boxer? Do they think Lieberman can help them in their future campaigns?

Lieberman has very little clout with Democratic voters - which is precisely why he is going to lose the August 8 primary to Ned Lamont. So how can Lieberman help Senators like Biden and Salazar?

Biden thinks he is running for President, which is of course a joke. He's getting barely 2% in the Democrats.com straw poll, even though he gets his mug on TV practically every day. Lieberman couldn't get any votes for himself in 2004, so how could he possibly help Biden get votes in 2008? He can't.

Ken Salazar isn't running for President. In fact, he's not even running for re-election until 2010. What possible help could he get from Lieberman? None.

Barbara Boxer has three Senate victories behind her, making her seat pretty secure. Again, what possible help could she get from Lieberman? None. 

So why are these Senators kissing Lieberman's ass ring? Here are the possibilities:

1. Money. While Lieberman can't deliver any Democratic votes, he can deliver some Democratic money, in particular conservative Jewish money. Are Biden, Salazar and Boxer after Lieberman's fundraising prowess? If so, that's pathetically crass.
2. Ideology. Lieberman practically owns the "Democratic sellout" brand, which makes him very popular with Republicans. Do Biden and Salazar covet this brand, and the rightwing friends that come with it? If so, that's an infuriating betrayal of the Democratic Party that elected them.
3. Blackmail. Lieberman pretends to be holy in public, but in private he's more cutthroat than any other Democrat. How do I know? Because by planning to run as an Independent, Lieberman proved to Democrats across the country that he's willing to destroy the Democratic Party if we don't choose him. Looking at the other 43 Democrats in the Senate, I can't imagine a single one - not even Ben Nelson - blackmailing his fellow Democrats this way. And if Lieberman is willing to blackmail Democrats collectively, it's pretty obvious that he would also be willing to blackmail them individually. Does Lieberman have dirt on Biden, Salazar and Boxer?

So which is it? If one of these Senators represents you, call their Press Secretary (you can use the Capitol Switchboard at 800-426-8073), tell them you're reporting for Democrats.com, and ask them for a specific answer - then post it below.

Biden:
DC office: 202-224-5042
Wilmington office: 302-573-6345
Milford office: 302-424-8090

Boxer
DC office: (202) 224-3553
Sacramento office: (916) 448-2787
San Francisco office: (415) 403-0100
Los Angeles office: (213) 894-5000
Fresno office: (559) 497-5109
San Diego office: (619) 239-3884
Inland Empire office: (909) 888-8525

Salazar
DC office: (202) 224-5852
Denver office: (303) 455-7600
Colorado Springs office: (719) 328-1100
Fort Collins office: 970-224-2200
Ft Morgan office: 970-542-9446
Pueblo office: 719 542-7550
Four Corners office: (970) 259-1710
Western Slope office: 970-241-6631
Alamosa office: 719-587-0096