Some Dem Senators Trying to Save Lieberman's Chairmanship

Does it matter?

Several top Democratic senators have launched a behind-the-scenes effort to save Sen. Joe Lieberman’s chairmanship, despite calls from a Democratic base seeking retribution for Lieberman’s vocal support of John McCain’s presidential campaign.

Sens. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), Ken Salazar (D-Colo.), Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) are all involved in the effort, according to top Senate Democratic aides. These four senators — along with other Lieberman allies — are reaching out to the rest of the Democratic Senate caucus to try to ensure Lieberman survives a secret ballot vote on whether to strip him of his chairmanship of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

This effort, along with kind words from Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.) last night about Lieberman, is giving the Connecticut senator some serious momentum heading into next week’s secret vote.

I ask if it matters because it's not clear to me that Lieberman would caucus with Republicans even if the Democrats took retribution, nor if he would vote to sustain a filibuster for a bill he thought dangerous. I just don't know if this will influence him either way.

I definitely know he's not joining the Republican Party. Connecticut is very Democratic by now.

posted by Ace at 03:28 PM

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