Joe Lieberman returned to the senate and he felt the love from his fellow senators.
Hartford Courant
Weeks after Lieberman lost the Democratic primary - and defied his party with an independent bid - the three-term Connecticut senator was greeted warmly Wednesday as he attended the party's weekly luncheon and participated in Senate business.
Happiness!!!!
It seems when they get back into session, old habits return. He is just another member of the club when back in Washington.
Democrats gave Lieberman an ovation as Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., introduced him at the lunch and welcomed him back.
The reason for this response is spelled out for us though.
The cordial response reflected a harsh political reality. If Democrats manage to gain six seats in November and Lieberman wins, the party will need him to take majority control. Lieberman, the party's 2000 vice presidential nominee, has said he would caucus with Democrats if he prevails in his independent run.
Yes, this was even from poeple who are publicly supporting Lamont in the general election. Covering there bets I guess, though it is good to see that Lieberman has not decided to completely jump an aquarium full of sharks as feared and head to the other parties tank. I would say that keeping him in the fold here might allow more sway as far as keeping him from fulling embracing the republican representatives in the state who will be running toward him in another month from now.
"They all said, 'We wish you well,' and some of the Democrats said, 'Sorry it didn't turn out better, but we hope you come back,"' Lieberman said. "I won't disclose which of them said that."
Nothing ever changes, lip service to the democrats of connecticut and the blogosphere. I guess they can see him during the confirmation hearings for Secretary of Defense, though Ned says he would not support such a nomination.