Dems Likely to Let 'Wayward' Lieberman Keep Senate Chair

Senate Democrats are likely to allow Joe Lieberman to retain chairmanship of the powerful Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee despite his vocal support for John McCain and repeated attacks on Barack Obama during the election, Politico reports. The Connecticut independent has threatened to leave the Democratic caucus and join the Republicans if punished for his opposition.

Obama has said he bears no grudge against Lieberman, which has softened Senate leadership on the issue. Still, insiders say it’s possible he could be stripped of two subcommittee seats when Senate Democrats meet today. Some hardline Dems are still pushing for Lieberman to lose the Homeland Security gavel as well, but other senior members of the party are wary of punishing a senator for taking a political stance.
(More Joe Lieberman stories.)