Although he ran for reelection as an Independent in 2006, Lieberman maintains a Democratic registration and caucuses with the Democrats. Yet Lieberman endorsed John McCain and spoke at the Republican convention. As a former Vice-Presidential candidate for the Democratic Party, he has an elevated stature in the party. Yet his constant breaks with the Democrats over Iraq, aligns him closer to conservative Republicans.
Things are apt to get a lot worse for Lieberman soon. It is expected that the Democrats will take up Lieberman’s role with them on November 18.
At stake is Lieberman’s chairmanship of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
The Democrats needed Lieberman in the last Congress. He got a plum position as Chair of a high-profile committee so they could count on his vote to keep their slim majority.
Lieberman was John McCain’s first choice for Vice-President, but his advisors convinced him that conservatives would not have gone for it. Even after the Palin pick, he would have had a high cabinet position in a McCain administration. Now Lieberman risks becoming the political equivalent of an orphan.
The Democrats may still need Lieberman to acquire a filibuster proof 60 Senators. Yet if one of the four remaining undecided Senate seats is called for a Republican, the Democrats have no reason to keep Lieberman happy.
He could be stripped of his chairmanship and even booted out of the Democratic caucus.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has already asked Lieberman to give up the Homeland Security Chairmanship. Lieberman has refused, and it will probably be put to a vote by the whole caucus at their meeting.
At that point, his options are limited. Mitch McConnell has asked Lieberman to join the Republican caucus. Lieberman may not have much choice but to accept. In the clubby Senate, a Senator without a caucus really is an orphan.
The last remaining Republican Congressman in New England was Daniel Shays of Connecticut. He was just defeated. If Lieberman begins to caucus with Republicans, he may as well plan to retire in 2012 when his term is up.
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President-elect Obama should offer him a cabinet position like head of DHS. His appointed senate replacement would be a loyal Dem. Let him serve till 2012 then replace him. End of his career.
An interesting suggestion, but the only/obvious choice for heading up DHS is Bruce Schneier.
Anyway it’s no one else’s problem to save Joe’s career but Joe, he’s the one who ruined it himself.
He should not in any case, under any circumstances be allowed to hold on to his chairmanship.
Joey “Joe da plumber” Lieberskinski done f-ed up good this time…
It’s been a while coming. The anger against Joe Lieberman goes back to 2006.
He was not the only Senator who continued to support a forever occupation. There were others. But even then he was unique as a Democrat in going out of his way to taunt those whose support he demanded.