NORTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

Dems: Lieberman choice good; religion not factor

Democrats touted the selection of Connecticut Sen. Joseph Lieberman as running mate to Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore, saying the choice reinforced the moderate position of the Democratic ticket.

The choice also blazed a political trail and perhaps created a silent issue that could influence the election. Lieberman is the first Jewish vice presidential candidate in American history.

Dr. Marc Flitter, Democratic candidate for the U.S. House, described the choice of Lieberman as "amazing" and downplayed the role religion would have on the race.

"The religion issue keeps coming into American politics. It started with John F. Kennedy," Flitter said. Kennedy was the first Catholic president.

"Kennedy put that issue to rest when people were able to see that he was able to perform the duties of president, independent of his Catholicism," said Flitter, who is Jewish.

Flitter anticipated an initial focus on Lieberman’s religious background, but said, "Once that issue is put to rest, which it will be, people will be able to look at what Sen. Lieberman stands for."

Mercer County Democratic Party Chairman Robert Lark does not expect Lieberman’s religion to affect his support among the masses. "I think this country has gone beyond that. I think people will care more about what his positions on the issues are," Lark said.

Pennsylvanians have elected former Gov. Milton J. Shapp and U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, both of whom are Jewish, to prominent posts. Marc Lincoln Marks, a Jewish Sharon lawyer, was the local Republican U.S. representative from 1976 through 1982.

Lark said the choice of Lieberman unifies the ticket. "Sen. Lieberman brings balance to the ticket and draws a line between Democrats and Republicans. Voters now have a definite choice between the two tickets," Lark added.

Critics brand Lieberman a liberal who votes for abortion rights, gun control and tax hikes, but Democrats say Lieberman is more conservative when it comes to issues such as defense spending and family values.

As Democrats try to claim the American middle, the party also may be distancing itself from the personal scandals of President Clinton. Lieberman was the first prominent Democratic lawmaker to openly criticize the president’s conduct with Monica Lewinsky.

Flitter said he recalled Lieberman from debates surrounding the scandal. "Sen. Lieberman represented the concerns of many Americans," Flitter said.

Democrats do figure to champion the prosperity of the Clinton years next week at the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles. "It has been a major achievement. No one disputes that. Even (Republican presidential nominee George W.) Bush acknowledged the prosperity of the last eight years during his acceptance speech," Lark said.