2:50: Mehlman points out that Lieberman has a lifetime ADA rating of 78, and his defeat shows the Democratic Party has descended into an isolationist, defeatist, and "all too often a 'blame America first' party."

The choice for November is clarified, he says - meaning, I take it, that it is now all about the war.

[NOTE: I apologize for missing the names of several questioners. Had the phone in the crook of my neck and was typing furiously. Must work on multi-tasking, or hire secretary].

Question: Will CT Repubs ask their nominee to drop out in favor of Lieberman? Mehlman says it is up to them - surprising that he doesn't categorically rule it out.

Question: {from me} - Is the election now all about the war in Iraq and WOT? KM says no, but the Dems have set their position as defeatist with no room for others, and that's unfortunate.

Question: On Michigan race when conservative Walberg wins over incumbent Schwarz - Mehlman offers olive branch, says GOP holds seat, then evades and goes back to talking about CT and Dean, Murtha, and the Dem left.

Q: On Kos' first win - KM points out only 7.25% of CT voters voted for Lamont, and decided moderates and pro-war positions no longer welcome. Small number even in very liberal state. Worries about power of activists on Dems now.

Q: [Mirengoff of Powerline]: Public opinion on war changing, if not defeatist, at least unhappy with progress - what can Repubs do? KM - war is difficult, answer is not to give terrorists a victory. Highlight consequences of failure. Issue is not a choice between cut-and-run and stay-the-course, but should be adapt-and-win. Points out changes in strategy. Nature of war, against a movement, not a government, easily hid and harder to defeat. Need to explain.

Q: Will Lieberman come back as indy? KM - not an expert on CT, but indies are majority of registered voters there, he will make a strong run.

End conference call. My comments below:

Despite Mehlman's denial that the CT results now mean it's "all about the war," he kept coming back to the Democratic position on the war and foreign policy in general. With the moonbat left feeling empowered to the point of giddiness - hey, even Michael Moore crawled out of his spider hole to claim victory today - this election, to whatever extent it is "nationalized," is indeed going to be about Iraq and the War on Terror generally.

Perhaps that was inevitable anyway. Nothing is more important right now.

Mehlman briefly mentioned, in response to a couple of questions, that the far left may be in the leadership, but that there are many sensible Democrats out there who are being effectively disenfranchised.

I can't wait to meet them!