During the 2006 Connecticut Senatorial campaign, I had the pleasure of shaking Ned Lamont's hand on 9 occasions - from his first visit to my Norwalk DFA chapter, to his rally in New Haven three days before the election.

On each occasion - even before he was endorsed by my DFA chapter and subsequently announced his candidacy - I shook his hand and called him "Senator Lamont". He had immediately impressed me with his honesty and his knowledge of all the issues which confronted the citizens of Connecticut - not just his opposition to either Iraq or Joe Lieberman.

At his Meriden election night get-together, I heard his concession speech from about 10 feet from the stage. I knew he would come into the crowd and shake every hand. I watched cautiously - because I know two former DFA members who had excoriated Ned during the campaign, questioning his Republican family roots, his wealth, his supporters "racist" terms like "Lieberkidz" and "Joe-mentum", in fact everything but his position on the issues. I knew these two individuals had become politically unstable after leaving DFA - supposedly because two fine DFA members in their New Haven chapter had "hijacked" the group and made it into a campaign group for Ned Lamont. Because of their instability, I worried that they would try to do as Lieberman's hired thugs had done during the election - and attempt to attack Ned physically. I watched the crowd - looking for them - but I suppose they were sharing a toast with their "Lieberman for Lieberman Party" candidate.

When he came into the audience to share a word with his supporters ( he ended up staying at the party for two or three hours ) I knew that I couldn't say "Hello, Senator Lamont" but I needed to share the same comfort which I have shared with Howard Dean since his candidacy ended.

I chose to tell him "Now you're America's Senator".

Indeed, Ned Lamont started the conversation which spread across America. He taught candidates everywhere that their first step toward winning their campaign was to tie their opponent to George W. Bush.

And, as always, it was so very good to be a part of Ned Lamont's campaign - as it is to be here among friends.

David A. Stevenson