Senator Joseph Lieberman (I) has increased his margin over Democrat Ned Lamont by eight points. He now leads the antiwar candidate 50% to 40% (see crosstabs).

Thirty-nine percent (39%) are certain of their Lieberman vote, while 30% definitely expect to pull the lever for Lamont.

GOP nominee Alan Schlesinger now attracts 6% of all voters.

Soon after losing the Democratic nomination, Senator Lieberman, campaigning now as an Independent (or "Independent Democrat"), was five points ahead. His lead then narrowed to two points in our most recent poll.

Lamont recently pumped another $1,250,000 of his own funds into the campaign in hopes of turning the tide.

The war issue may not be as decisive in the general election as it was in the primary. But it still looms large. Anti-war candidate Lamont leads 64% to 14% among those (close to half of all voters) who want troops home from Iraq within a year. Among those who disagree (a third of voters), Lieberman dominates 74% to 14%. Lieberman also leads, 59% to 39%, among the 21% "not sure" what the timetable should be.

Eighty-one percent (81%) say national security is a "very important" issue to them.

Much of Lamont's support is anti-Lieberman (41%) rather than pro-Lamont (52%). By contrast, 73% of Lieberman supporters are voting "for Lieberman" rather than "against Lamont" (24%). Lieberman's favorables are higher as well. Most tellingly, he is now viewed "very favorably" by twice as many voters, 32% versus Lamont's 16%. Just a couple weeks ago, those two numbers were much closer.

By continuing in the race, Lieberman bet that his political strengths would trump opposition from many Democrats to his decision to run as an Independent. He seems to be winning that bet.

This race has no impact on our Senate Balance of Power ratings since both Lieberman and Lamont are expected to vote for a Democratic Senate Majority Leader when Congress is organized next January.

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members only.