Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), who caucuses with the Democrats, touted Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) on Tuesday as the only Republican who can beat the Democratic nominee in the general election.
{mosads}“Look at the polls. John McCain is the only Republican who can defeat the Democratic candidates in November. And that ought to count for something,” said Lieberman, who was the vice presidential candidate on the 2000 Democratic ticket and calls himself an “independent Democrat.”
Lieberman endorsed McCain in December, in large part because of the Arizonan’s stance on national security issues.
During an appearance on MSNBC, the Connecticut senator said that he would continue to campaign for McCain in the general election.
“When I decided to endorse John McCain, I considered the entire field in both parties,” Lieberman said, adding, “When I committed myself to John McCain, it wasn’t a fairweather commitment for the primaries. I’m sticking with him all the way. There are a lot of fine people running for president, but McCain is the best for America's future.”
There has been constant speculation throughout the 110th Congress that Lieberman may opt to caucus with Republicans, which would shift control of the Senate to the GOP. Lieberman is chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.