One of the main factors in the Lieberman-Lamont race is the absence of a serious GOP challenger on the ballot; besides having little funds or name recognition, Alan Schlesinger has the liability of being known mostly for his gambling exploits.

The race would change overnight if Schlesinger would only step aside. And to heighten the pressure, businessman and Republican Jack Orchulli told Greg Sargent this afternoon that he'd spend at least $1.5 million of his own money in the race if that happened.