The Ledger doesn’t endorse candidates, but we do get involved and take an active role in election coverage. Unlike a recent Senate election in which the stench of antisemitism wafted across the state and we felt we had to confront that situation, we were able to return to our normal role of focusing on the candidates as to how they deal with  issues of concern to us. We do this so that we can inform you, our readers, about their opinions and also to let them know that when we send people to Washington, the Ledger is here in Connecticut keeping a close eye on their actions pertaining to Israel and other issues of importance to our community.
This year we were generally pleased with the candidates with whom we spoke. They showed a depth of knowledge about Jewish themes and Israel. They were not merely superficial in their answers; instead, we noted a genuine caring about those things that we hold close.
In this most recent campaign, we were pleased to be able to deliver broad ranging interviews with the nominees in the two Congressional races that we thought to be the most competitive. All four candidates were well versed. They were familiar with Israel and the dangers she faces on a daily basis and were aware of the animus towards the Jewish state in the Middle East and around the world. Our intensive question-and-answer session with Chris Murphy and Linda McMahon also left us with the feeling that, as it pertains to U.S. interests that have a bearing on Israel, either of these candidates would be diligent in pursuing the best way forward for all concerned.
Of course, we haven’t seen anyone in our current Congressional delegation or among any of the nominees who might take the mantle worn by Joe Lieberman in terms of leadership on American-Israeli issues. Given that Joe has few that approach his knowledge or intensity on these issues in the Senate, it would be overly optimistic for us to expect anyone to approach his standard. Joe understands the shared values of the United States and Israel and has over the years accumulated a wealth of knowledge about the policies we pursue.
Most of our incumbent Congressmen are well schooled in these issues, and their voting record shows that. But there are none that exhibit the inclination to leadership that Joe Lieberman has provided. Of course, it is possible that because of Joe’s presence in Washington none of our Representatives or our Senator has felt the need to take on this role. In that case, there remains the possibility that someone might emerge to take on this task going forward.
We will watch for this, as we stay attuned to the extent our delegation participates in the bi-partisan support that Congress has always shown for Israel’s survival and well-being. We are fortunate to have an existing Congressional delegation that reflects the values and attitudes with which we can all be comfortable. To their number we welcome Senator Murphy and Congresswoman Esty, and we wish them well.
—nrg