CT-Sen: Lieberman looking at forced retirement

We've periodically polled Connecticut to remind the world that Joe Lieberman's constituents have long since soured on his schtick. We did so several times in 2007, as well as April 2008, July 2008, and November 2008.

We've kept polling a Lamont-Lieberman race to gauge what people would do if they had a chance for a do-over. In that November poll, Lamont would crush Lieberman 51-37.

Last week, Attorney Gen. Richard Blumenthal announced he would run for Senate in 2012, and he won't be the only one in what is sure to be a contested Democratic primary (he passed on a 2006 primary challenge despite heavy lobbying efforts before Lamont jumped in). Republicans will clear the field for Lieberman, as he's their guy. So if Blumenthal is the Democratic nominee, how would he fare against Lieberman? Pretty darn good according to the latest Q-poll.

Quinnipiac Univ.  2/4-8. Registered voters. MoE 2.5% (No trend lines)

Lieberman (R I) 30
Blumenthal (D) 58

Woah. It helps that Blumenthal's approval ratings are an astronomical 79-12, including 66-25 among Republicans. Lieberman, by contrast, is at 45-48, 21-70 among Democrats and 46-48 among the independents he supposedly represents. Not pretty.

We'll be rid of Lieberman after 2012. The only question will be whether it's a voluntary or forced retirement. I'm really, really hoping it's the latter.