Connecticut’s progressive insurgent, Ned Lamont, has hired media maven Bill Hillsman. That’s good news. Hillsman is responsible for getting Paul Wellstone to the senate, getting Jesse Ventura to the governor’s mansion, and getting Ralph Nader … well, 2 out of 3 ain’t bad.

Check the Hartford Courant story.

First quarter filings say Lamont has raised about $700,000 so far, half from his own pocket and half from supporters (his money is from a successful VOIP business). That’s on good track to mount a meaningful challenge. Of course his opponent, Joe Lieberman, has plenty of ammo to fight back.

Will Lamont’s choice of Hillsman even the odds, like it did with Ventura and Wellstone? Stay tuned …