Lamont ponders Clinton's aid

BY GLENN THRUSH | Newsday Washington Bureau

September 7, 2006

WASHINGTON - Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton invited anti-war upstart candidate Ned Lamont to her Chappaqua estate last month. But the millionaire Democrat from Connecticut who upset Sen. Joe Lieberman isn't sure he'll return the favor by inviting Clinton to campaign in the state.

Lamont, speaking to reporters in Washington yesterday, was noncommittal when asked if he wanted the pro-war Clinton to stump for him. "I'm not sure we need a lot of out-of-staters," said Lamont, 52, a Long Island native who faces a tough November contest against Lieberman, now running as an independent. Still, outsiders like Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) and the Rev. Al Sharpton stood with Lamont on primary night.

Lamont said he appreciates Clinton's support - even if she's backing him to appease peace Democrats.

"I don't mind. ... I think it's fascinating," he said. " . . . I like all of my new friends."