Ned Lamont, the Connecticut cable television entrepreneur whose anger over Democratic U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman’s support of Bush administration policies spurred him to explore whether to mount a primary challenge to the most prominent Democratic supporter of the war on Iraq, is done exploring.

Lamont’s running, and he’s got a message for the globetrotting incumbent who returned from his most recent trip to Iraq with a ringing endorsement of the occupation: “Senator,” the challenger said, “stop by Bridgeport on your way back from Baghdad and listen to your constituents…”

What Lamont thinks Lieberman’s constituents will tell the senator when Connecticut Democrats vote in the August 9 primary is that the Bush administration must be challenged, not coddled.

Making pointed reference to the incumbent’s status as the Democrat that Republicans love to love, Lamont declared his candidacy with a Monday announcement that, “I am jumping into this Senate primary because voters deserve a choice.”

That choice, the challanger suggests, is between a “Republican-lite” incumbent who cooperates with the administration and a progressive who will confront the president when Bush is wrong.

“Let’s have the debate,” Lamont announced in a speech that spelled out the differences between the three-term incumbent and a progressive challenger who promises he won’t be “complicit” with this White House.

Lamont’s declaration of candidacy was blunt and aggressive in its critique of Lieberman, signaling that this will not be a tepid challenge to a Democratic incumbent who has broken faith with the progressive base of the Democratic party.

Here’s an excerpt from Lamont’s announcement speech.

Let’s have the debate.

Three years ago politicians with years of political experience rushed our troops off to war; they told us the war would be easy; we’d be greeted as liberators.

Now three years later, America is no safer, Israel is no safer, the Middle East is even less stable, Iran is on the prowl, Osama Bid Laden is on the prowl, and we have 130,000 valiant troops stuck in the middle of a violent civil war in the heart of Iraq.

Those who got us into this mess should be held accountable.

In Washington they give you a medal; in my world they say: “You’re fired.”

I say it is time for the Iraqis to take control of their own destiny and we’re just getting in the way.

Let’s have the debate.

The $250 million a day we are spending in Iraq is better spent on pre-school and healthcare, public transit and veterans benefits.

Let’s have the debate.

I would have lead the opposition to the nomination of Judge Alito? Next year the Supreme Court will hear the South Dakota law which outlaws a woman’s right to choose, even in the case of rape and incest.

Let’s have the debate.

I believe that President George Bush’s illegal wiretaps, his reckless fiscal and environmental policies are weakening America and leaving too many hardworking citizens behind.

I doubt that anybody will call me “George Bush’s favorite Democrat.”

Do you remember that Bridge to Nowhere in Alaska? Part of the 6,371 earmarks, which are multi million dollar pork ridden special favors for special congressmen, added to a bill at the last moment, under the cloak of darkness. And it’s all legal, the big easy for career politicians.

If you are not shouting from the rafters that this is wrong, then you are complicit and part of the problem.

I am not a shouter, but I come to this race as someone who is obviously not afraid of a challenge. I am ready challenge business as usual, I am ready to fight for our Democratic values and I will tell the Bush administration to put their haughty arrogance in their back pocket and deal with the rest of the world with respect. That’s how America will start winning again in a post 9-11 world.

As I travel the state I have heard from thousands of you – students and elderly, veterans and teachers, small business and labor, even a few courageous political leaders: let’s have a primary, let’s have the debate: how did we get into this mess and how do we get out?

Sure, there are some that have not been quite so encouraging: Ned, don’t jeopardize a safe seat.

I tell them, Connecticut is a progressive state. You’re not losing a Senator, you’re gaining a Democrat.

They tell me, Ned, don’t rock the boat.

And I tell them, baby, it’s high time we “rock the boat.”

We are running for the heart and soul of the Democratic party; we’re showing the country that we can win as proud Democrats fueled by your grassroots support and energy and passion; and on August 9 the pundits will be shaking their heads and noting: here come the Democrats.