Politics | Joe Lieberman Dems Loath to Punish Traitor Joe The party is ticked, but this might not be the time for vengeance By Kevin Spak Posted Oct 21, 2008 12:03 PM CDT Copied Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., speaks at a Rally for Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., in Downingtown, Pa., Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Joe Lieberman has crossed nearly every line there is in supporting John McCain—on Sunday he even praised Sarah Palin—and many liberals want him ousted from the Democratic caucus. But Harry Reid and company show no signs of moving against Lieberman, Salon reports. “We're going to have to wait and see,” was all a Reid spokesman would say. Democrats may still need Lieberman to construct a filibuster-proof 60-vote majority. “The need to satisfy Daily Kos is not as important as making sure you have the votes you need,” noted one senior consultant. Senate Democrats are also probably loath to censure a longtime colleague, but Lieberman seems sure to at least lose his committee chairmanship. “He's a grownup,” said a former adviser. “He made this decision and he knew the consequences.” Read These Next Iran's supreme leader makes first public comments since ceasefire. New Fox star, 23, misses first day after car troubles. Her blood isn't compatible with anyone else's. Man accused of killing his daughters might be dead. Report an error