Some famous people are trying to help Greenwich businessman Ned Lamont defeat three-term U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman in next month's primary.
Entertainer Barbra Streisand, actor Paul Newman, billionaire financier George Soros, television producer Norman Lear and singer Jackson Browne all contributed to Lamont's campaign, according to campaign finance data filed Saturday with the Federal Election Commission.
Streisand, Soros and Lear, producer of "All in the Family" and "Maude," each contributed $1,000. Newman, who lives in Westport, Conn., gave $2,100, while Browne, known for hits such as "Running on Empty" and "Lawyers in Love" contributed $500.
Lamont's campaign released a breakdown of contributions Monday; Lieberman's campaign has released totals but not yet provided details about who gave what.
Tight race
Lamont has gained national attention by challenging Lieberman, who has come under fire from some Democrats for his support of the war in Iraq and a perceived closeness with congressional Republicans and President Bush. Recent public opinion polls have shown Lieberman in the lead, but Lamont has made headway.
In the past two months, Lamont has raised and spent $1.9 million - largely thanks to the $1.1 million he contributed to himself. Lieberman raised $1.3 million in the same two months.
Some other familiar names on Lamont's list for the past quarter include syndicated sex advice columnist Dan Savage, who contributed $2,000, and actress Alexandra Paul, who played Lt. Stephanie Holden on the TV show "Baywatch." She gave $250.
Movie director and producer Richard Donner contributed $2,000. Donner directed the 1978 movie "Superman" and directed and produced all three "Lethal Weapon" movies.