Top Dem Senators Try To Save Lieberman

Politico:

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.

Read the whole story: Politico

Comments

[SailFree]

Why are they trying to be honorable NOW, of all times?

[Whinger]

Those trying to save Lieberman's bacon should go too!

[marinade]

“He’s got momentum, and we need to keep him in the caucus, and this fits into Barack Obama’s message of change and moving forward,” said one Senate Democratic aide familiar with discussions. “The message here is that we don’t want to start off a new era with retributio­n.”

We need to keep him in the caucus? Says who?

It fits into Obama's message? How's that? It looks like more of the same, not "moving forward."

"Moving forward" would be getting the Democratic Congress straightened out. It looks like they are doing everything possible to keep the status quo. Our senators still don't want to listen to what the American people have to say.

[cryhavoc]

WHY??? Pal Joey knew what he was doing and that his deliberate and personal actions have consequences. He expected consequences of Clinton when Monicagate reared its (ahem!) head. Is he immune to consequences?? Can we all get real in this mad universe called politics?

[SailFree]

There is a difference between consequences of an illegal, inappropriate, venal act and consequences of a principled political decision--isn't there? Why expect a criminal prosecution and retribution for a politician who did what he thought best for the country, not himself?

Are there any decent, honorable Democrats left?

[Grunty1]

[illegal, inappropriate, venal act ]

What about the Bush adminstration?

[SCG]

Apparently Lieberman, who knew?

[Speakupper]

Good point, SailFree. You may be the person that can answer the question I have been asking regarding Lieberman. Assuming he, in all honesty believes what he said; that Obama may be dangerous to the country in that he does not put country first, etc, why should Democrats expect Lieberman to do anything other than undermine Obama's agenda? Wouldn't that be the patriotic, honorable thing for him to do? Given the crucial role of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, is he, then, the best person out of all the senators to serve as chairperson?

I have yet to hear Lieberman retract or even moderate any of the statements he made about Obama while on the campaign trail with McCain. As a man of conscience and honor, how can he justify serving in this leadership capacity with the Democrats, voting to help advance their/Obama's proposals? Wouldn't relinquishing his chair and joining the Republican caucus as the loyal opposition represent the more principled stand?

[RonNYC]

Liberman went too far. Time to pay.

[westreal]

Those senators should be held accountable for defying the will of the party. We don't want Lieberman around. Why are they fighting so hard to keep him? Things that make you go hmmm!!

Contact these senators, Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), Ken Salazar (D-Colo.), Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.). Let them know you're going to stop donating to their campaign, stop supporting them locally and work to replace them in the next election.

We don't have to put up with their insubordination!

[northstar11]

has was the difference between 50 and 51.

with the three undecided races he could be the difference between 59 and 60.

i think he can count and so can obama. 60 beats 59 hold your nose.

[westreal]

There are moderate Republican senators who will vote with us. Particularly since the republican party is fractured. They won't be able to muster a filibuster. Lieberman is the fox in the hen house. He smiles in your face while stabbbing you in the back. Get rid of him.

[trollsbwild]

Agreed. He will never be a reliable party supporter.
I would let him twist in the wind.

[MizLiz]

Yes, but how could we trust him to be the 60th vote? What's to prevent him from bolting over to The Dark Side again?

[cavegal]

Agreed. 60 provides a filibuster proof majority and without Lieberman caucusing with the Democrats we lose that 2/3 majority required to pass legislation. Not a pretty picture having to suck up to LIEberman, however there are other ways to marginalize the man. No new power spots as chairmanships of all committees will now be taken over by the Democrats. His only power will be as a follower.

[live]

i can still see joe pumping his fist during a rally when the repubs where bashing obama with every smear they could think of-
i cant stand him,

dont just let him go to the repubs Make HIM GO,
AND THE SOONER THE BETTER

FOR A LIST OF PHONE #'S TO CALL AND TELL YOU SENATOR TO OUST JOE-
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

[N2theblue]

What a SNAKE. The guy needs a good thumpin' from the Dems.

[SCG]

Doesn't appear they really wish to do so, does it?

That's it, you can p.iss on the Democratic party, and we'll welcome you back for more ! But Nader is unwanted, self absorbed egoist.

Got it.

[LiberalDemIda]

"Aides cautioned that there are not simply two camps — keep him or dump him — in the Senate Democratic caucus. Instead, a number of options are being considered that would allow him to keep his chairmanship and remain in the caucus but still suffer some sort of penalty."

Really? And what might that be? A finger waggling while saying "Bad senator. Bad, bad, bad." then a pat on the head and he retains his full power and chairmanships?? Wow. That'll teach him.

NOT.

[SCG]

If Lieberman stays, the democratic party is a joke.

[noesis]

Exactly. I switched from Dem to Indie in 2000, due largely to their lack of spine.

[SCG]

I switched back, hoping this time they had found one. It's looking like back to business as usual.

[Rule Of Law]

After working so closely with the Republicans and their spy machine, I just wonder what he has on all those guys?

[abigail1]

ew.

[eeyore5662]

I'll second that. God bless Obama. I just hope they aren't pushing him to keep this guy. As far as I'm concerned, he's a traitor of the worst sort. NOT a traitor to our country, a traitor to the people around him. I don't care how many times he votes with the Democrats. I've never cared for two-faced people and Lieberman sure wins top prize for that. No vote he could garner is worth putting up with someone you can't trust.

[Grunty1]

This just means we need to work harder to convince your Senators that saving Lieberman is not what WE the people want!

[SCG]

Think about turning support to a third party, and replacement candidates, ones that are interested in serving the public, not the lobbyists.

[Querent]

That would be the Lieberman party, right? I think there is a small flaw in your logic.

[Islanders6466]

FINE! If the wimpy Dems who are worried about "a vote" want to keep him, fine-we'll deal with you Dems later...BU­T you MUST strip him of his committee/chairman titles - PERIOD!!
If he runs crying to the other side, LET HIM!!!!!!!!