Interest in the Lamont-Lieberman Senate race among political junkies and activists has been intense. However, just 21% of American adults say they have been following news stories of the campaign Very Closely. An equal number have not been following the story at all.

This level of interest is reflected in opinions on the candidates. Nationally, Senator Joe Lieberman is viewed favorably by 34% and unfavorably by 25%. A plurality (41%) have no opinion of the man nominated for Vice President by Democrats six years ago (see crosstabs).

Ned Lamont, the winner of last week’s Democratic Primary in Connecticut, is even less well known nationally. Most Americans (57%) have no opinion of the political newcomer. Thirteen percent (13%) have a favorable opinion of him while 30% hold an unfavorable view.

The partisan differences follow a pattern similar to state surveys in Connecticut. Lamont is, on balance, viewed more favorably by Democrats nationally than Lieberman. Lamont’s numbers among his own party are 22% favorable, 16% unfavorable. For Lieberman, the numbers among Democrats are 27% favorable, 32% unfavorable.

Lamont’s numbers among those not affiliated with either major party might cause some concern for Democratic strategists. Just 9% of the nation’s unaffiliates have a favorable opinion of Lamont. Thirty percent (30%) hold an unfavorable view.

These same adults are more evenly divided about Lieberman—30% favorable, 24% unfavorable.

Lieberman is viewed more favorably than Lamont among conservatives and moderates. Lamont has better numbers among liberals.

Overall, 28% of American adults say that Lieberman is a better representative of the Democratic Party than Lamont. Twenty-one percent (21%) say Lamont is the better representative while 51% are not sure.

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members only.