New York Times Falls For Menendez Mendacity

*** Also See Updated post - Menendez Mendacity Continues and the AP Spins ***

Tom Kean can’t catch a break from the liberal media in the New Jersey area. Today, John Holl for the New York Times writes Kean Falls Into Lieberman Trap:

The two [Bob Menendez and Tom Kean] appeared at a candidate forum yesterday sponsored by the Metro West Jewish Federation, and they discussed the usual topics: the Iraq war, Social Security, and stem cell research.

And both candidates were asked about Lieberman’s re-election bid. Mr. Menendez, who appeared first, said he supports Mr. Lieberman’s run as an independent candidate. “I wish him well,” he said, “and hope he returns.”

He then warned the crowd that Mr. Kean, who was to appear second, would try to tell the crowd that Mr. Menendez supports Mr. Lamont.

About 40 minutes later, when Mr. Kean was asked about Senator Lieberman, he said, “I think he is the right individual and I look forward to serving with him.” After a pause, he added, “My opponent, by the way, supports Ned Lamont.”

It looks like the New York Times fell into the trap of believing and repeating as fact whatever comes out of Menendez’ mouth. Here’s a statement that appeared on the Bob Menendez campaign website on August 8, 2006 after Lieberman lost the primary to Lamont.

"Joe Lieberman is a good friend and an excellent Senator who has served his country with dignity. He ran a hard-fought campaign, but the voters of Connecticut have spoken, and I support their decision. I fully support Ned Lamont's candidacy."

The next thing you know Menendez will be telling voters he supports tax cuts and enforcement of the nation’s immigration laws. He’ll say anything to win the senate race in New Jersey.

Update: Get a load of this:

The Menendez camp is having to backtrack on the Senator’s comments before a Jewish group that he supports Joe Lieberman’s re-election.

Several hours after our blog item about Menendez and his Republican challenger voicing their support for returning Lieberman to the Senate, Matt Miller, a spokesman for Robert Menendez, called to clarify the senator’s statement.

Mr. Menendez, it turns out, does not support Joe Lieberman’s re-election bid and fully supports Ned Lamont, the Democratic candidate.

“What he was meaning to say is that he has enjoyed working with Senator Lieberman and looks forward to serving with him should he be re-elected,” said Mr. Miller. “But his official endorsement is for Lamont and he supports the party.”

More Menendez Mendacity:

Can a Corrupt Politician Be Elected To The U.S. Senate?
Bob Menendez: The Early Years
Bob “I Barely Broke Even” Menendez
Menendez Sets Off Ethical Alarm Bells
Bob “I Barely Broke Even” Menendez Busted
Bob Menendez Digs A Deeper Hole
Another Menendez, North Hudson Community Action Center “Coincidence”
Menendez: You Put Your Hand On The Bible
Creating A Culture Of Corruption In New Jersey
Menendez and the Jersey Corruption Devil
The Menendez Machine In Action