Lieberman not happy with Reid's offer, flirting with Republicans
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/11/07/art.lieberman.ap.jpg caption="Lieberman was not happy with what Reid had to offer, an aide said."]UPDATE: Democratic source says Reid offered Veterans Affairs chairmanship
(CNN) - An aide to Sen. Joe Lieberman tells CNN that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid told Lieberman he wanted him to give up his position as Chairman of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, and instead take the helm of a lower profile full committee.
A Senate Democratic source familiar with the meeting confirms that account and tells CNN that one of options Reid gave Lieberman in a private meeting Thursday is Chairman of the Veteran’s Affairs Committee.
But the aide to Lieberman says the Connecticut senator made clear that was “not acceptable” to him, and reminded Reid that he was one of the Senators who wrote the legislation creating the Homeland Security Department, and that’s where he wants to stay.
Nothing was resolved in the meeting, and the Lieberman aide tells CNN that although he still wants to caucus with the Democrats, Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell has contacted Lieberman about formally aligning with Republicans, and that Lieberman is “keeping all of his options open.”
An aide to McConnell confirms to CNN that the two men “have been talking.”
This Lieberman aide, who insisted the meeting was very cordial, also says that he reminded Reid that he may have been elected an Independent, but that he has voted overwhelmingly with the Democrats.
The Senate Democratic source says this issue will now likely be dealt with by the full Senate Democratic caucus, when it meets on November 18th.
Lieberman was a fixture on the campaign trail with Republican presidential candidate John McCain, and Reid is under pressure from many Democrats to punish him for harsh criticism of Barack Obama in a speech at the Republican convention.
A spokesman for Reid had no immediate comment on the specifics of the meeting, except to say that it was “frank,” and that the two agreed to talk more about Lieberman’s future role in the Senate.
The two met on Thursday.
THE REPUBLICANS CAN HAVE HIM!
Come on President Obama lets get busy, we have to start somewhere to fix up what the republicans have messed up , we know you have a hard job before you, the america people feel and know you are smart enough and able to handle the job thats why you are the PRESIDENT and not John McCain or any (Republicans). We all understand we can't clear this mess up over night, but thanks for going to work before day one of the job. you've started ahead of time. Take your time and lets get the world moving toward positive change. We can and yes we will. continue to communicate with us often by radio, tv please keep us informed. Thanks
Obama 08'........................................................................................
That's a shame.
So glad to see that punitive measures are the first action we're seeing by the Dems post-election. This gives me great hope for a bipartisan way forward!
It wouldnt surprise me if he joins the republican's! He should.. TRAITOR!!!! We dont need him!
Lieberman is lucky to get a position from Harry Reid. I would have kick his but out. Traitor
Oh yeah? Well we're not happy with Joe the D-bag, so I guess it's even.
Kick him out!
Get rid of that Judas, let him be with the Republicans that he loved so much during the past five months; the Democrats do not need him.
oh well..........
Perhaps it's time for Lieberman to join Sarah Palin in Wasilla. Who cares what he does? His political capital and credibility are shot, now.
What did he expect? 12 roses? Milk and cookies? He stabbed the Dems in the back! Being a two faced liar is not what this country needs. We need solid reliable representatives, not self serving warmongers.
Good bye Lieberman.
He should have headed north with Palin.
So wait, Lieberman will start voting republican all of a sudden, because he may have a higher ranking position with the GOP?
I thought you were meant to vote on principal not power. How silly of me.
If the rupublicans want him they can have him.
Kick this loser out of the party and send him packing to join the GOP, we don't need unloyal traitors in charge of anything. He does'nt like it, tuff.
So long loser, don't let the door hit you in the butt.
Actions have consequences – kick him out of the caucas!
Men and their power games. Here we go again another 4 years of this worn out leadership model.
WE THE AMERICAN VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN & WE DO
NOT WANT LIEBERMAN AT THE HELM OF ANYTHING.
If the republicans want him they can have him.
Just get rid of him... he said what he said about another democrat and continued the "Obama isn't for Israel crap," almost the entire campaign. If didn't think Obama capable then, he shouldn't let the fact that Obama is now President-elect sway his judgement of the past 6 months. He is really a moderate republican much like the "real" McCain that we never saw during the campaign. Reid is spineless, I'd show him the door while I'm at it.
Godspeed President-elect Obama!
OMG you people are still hungover from all the Change-juice.
Good thing there won't be any actual change.
Who cares, we don't want him back!! Time for Barack and Joe to get to work and try and fix what Bush destroyed!!
To bad, so sad. When you leave your party to support the other and bash the candidate of the previous party, you should not be allowed to return just cause your candidate loses. I'm sure McLieberman was waiting for his appointment to McCains political team. Sorry Joe, no backstabbing allowed in the Democratic party. Maybe you could be Palin's running mate in 2020. You both share an immense lack of character.