Global, Politics

Jews in the Senate

There are currently 11 Jewish U.S. Senators: Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Norm Coleman (R-MN), Russ Feingold (D-WI), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Herb Kohl (D-WI), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Joseph Lieberman (I-CT), Carl Levin (D-MI), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Arlen Specter (R-PA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
Three of them are up for reelection this year. Feinstein and Kohl are expected to cakewalk to victory, while Lieberman faces a strong Democratic challenger in a blue state.
In addition, several new Jewish candidates are running for the Senate. Rep. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) is considered a shoo-in for the open seat in Vermont. Rep. Ben Cardin (D-MD) has more work ahead of him, but is still favored. Kelsey’s cousin Barbara Ann Radnofsky (D-TX) is more of a long shot. (Any others that I’m missing?)
So the most likely scenarios involve 11-13 Jewish senators in the 110th Congress. It is almost certain that the number of Jewish senators will stay the same or increase.
Therefore, if you were planning to vote for Lieberman because he’s Jewish, the numbers clearly show that you don’t need to do this. There will be plenty of Jews in the Senate with or without Lieberman, so you’re free to vote your conscience.

7 thoughts on “Jews in the Senate

  1. Voting for Lieberman because he’s Jewish completely misses the point. Voting for Lieberman is important because he is a passionate supporter of the US-Israel relationship and is committed to the long term survival of the State of Israel. During a time when Iran is moving unopposed towards nuclear capabilities, we shouldn’t be counting Jews in the Senate, rather, we should be counting committed support to the survival of Israel. If you care about Israel, do everything you can to ensure Lieberman wins this election.

  2. There’s no point in voting for a senator “because he’s Jewish”. Also, there’s no point in voting for a hawkish lunatic becuase its “good for Israel”. Liberalism and peace are good. for everybody.

  3. Though he seems to feel really strongly about Israel Lieberman is actually undermining Israeli security in dangerous ways. As we all know Lieberman is a major supporter of the neoconservative foreign policy camp. Part of their philosophy invovles polarization in the middle east. This polorazation causes folks to need to choose between a strong western allegiance and isalamic fascism. Of course, that polarazation also leads to increases in both western leaners and folks affiliated with militant islam. Is it better for Israel to have Iraq flooded with insurgents learning explosives, how to kill well trained soldiers in an urban setting, and how to inflict enough damage to change policy? Those people are already making their way to Syria and Lebanon. This is a very dangerous for the world at large and israel in specific. Sure Lieberman feels love for Israel, he just isn’t a competent foreign policy visionary and can’t actualize his wish to do good by israel. Lamont has also come out strongly in support of israel. You would be getting a Clintonian Israel supporter for a Bush-style neocon israel supporter. That would be good for israel.

  4. Anyone who is still thinking about voting for Joe Lieberman because of his pasionate support for the US/Israel relationship should consider that there MIGHT be a difference between policies which are pro-Israel and policies which ensure the long term survival of the Jewish state. Joe and his friends in the White House show no such discernment.

  5. Go Barbra Ann! I think she’ll do better then CW expects. Afterall, the Rethugs have really pissed off the Hispanics with their soft bigotry of “enforcement only”. Talk to any Hispanic and ask them what the think when they hear the word Republican. If they aren’t Cuban, I assure you they’ll say Tancrado. They’re angry, registered, and ready to vote.

  6. Obviously Allen is not halachically Jewish, as he and his mother practice another religion; presumably all the others listed above are (?).

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