Lieberman: A Democrat Past His Expiration Date?

Sen Joe Lieberman (I-Connecticut) was defeated in the primary election in 2006 to run as a Democrat, so he was instead elected as an independent, although up to now he has remained part of the Democratic Senate caucus. But that might change if his support of Republican John McCain for president spills over to him addressing the Republican National Convention. Robert Novak reported on this earlier today:

"...Democratic insiders are certain Sen. Joseph Lieberman next year will be kicked out of the party's caucus and lose his Senate chairmanship if he addresses the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., as planned...Lieberman's Democratic colleagues willing to accept his support of Sen. John McCain for president consider speaking to the GOP convention as the last straw."

Robert Novak also stated why the Democrats might consider such a move:

"After his 2006 election, the Senate Democratic leadership agreed to give Lieberman the Homeland Security Committee chairmanship if he provided the decisive vote to make the Democrats a 51 to 49 Senate majority. However, with additional Democratic senators likely to be elected this year, that agreement is expected to be null and void in the new Congress."