He lost his state Democratic primary, so he ran as an "independent" in the general election and won. -- How come he's not an "Independent" in the Senate??? If he was an Independent, he would have no right to the chairmanship of the Homeland Security Committee (which he holds now), and I don't believe he would retain his senate seniority. So why was he allowed to do this???
2007-01-12 12:44:57 · 4 answers · asked by voycinwilderness 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
So the Democrats continue with their idiocy.....? How can they trust Lieberman when his voting record shows how little he supports Democratic ideas?
2007-01-12 13:01:36 · update #1
To Bettysdad - Actually, I believe the other posters are correct....
2007-01-12 13:54:41 · update #2
Mark D - I realize people have changed political parties after being elected. I guess my question was asked because I believe Lieberman manipulated the process to get elected (and yes, most politicians seem to "manipulate" the system SOMEHOW), and I also thought, because he went through the election as an Independent that's how he would be identified in the Senate. Sorry to have offended your sensibilities!
2007-01-12 17:16:40 · update #3
Because he has said that he will vote democratic on Bills in the Senate.
2007-01-12 12:51:13 · answer #1 · answered by Third Uncle 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Liebermann does NOT vote with the Republicans on most issues. His voting record is definately left-of-center. For example, over the course of his 18 years in the Senate, he has averaged about 78% from the liberal organization Americans for Democratic Action and about 18% from the American Conservative Union. If any Republican had a voting record like that you'd be wondering why he or she doesn't switch to the Democrat Party.
Anyone who gets elected on one party's ticket may switch to any other kind of party allegiance that he or she wants to while serving in Congress. And in case you haven't paid attention for the last 27 years, lots of people who got elected to Congress as Democrats switched to the Republican Party. In 1999, one Republican switched to the Democrats (he was not re-nominated by his new party!). Back in 1973, there was one Republican who switched to the Democrat Party while serving in the House, he ran for one more re-election as a Democrat, then ran for Senate as a Democrat and won election 3 times.
You ask why is he allowed to this. Because there is no rule saying he can't, that's why.
2007-01-12 22:21:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The majority party decides who holds chairmanships, and can pick anyone in the Senate, it doesn't necessarily have to be in the party. Lieberman is listed as an Independent, but has said he will caucus with the Democrats, so they gave him the Chairship as a way to keep him with them.
2007-01-12 20:50:17 · answer #3 · answered by jerry 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He can't.
He was mentioned by name in Bush's speech Wed.
He appeared with McCain at an AEI function supporting the escalation.
2007-01-12 21:50:48 · answer #4 · answered by bettysdad 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋