Dems Still Need Lieberman on Other Issues

Joe Lieberman’s health care gadfly act may have Democrats royally cheesed off, but they’re still working with the Connecticut senator on other important legislation. White House officials regularly meet with Lieberman on climate change, sources tell Talking Points Memo, as well as several bills in the Homeland Security Committee he chairs. Lieberman’s also working on a bill to grant partner benefits for gay federal employees.

Lieberman, John Kerry, and Lindsey Graham now meet five times a week on climate change. A congressional source describes Lieberman as “incredibly engaged,” and his stance as arguably “progressive.” Lieberman did attend a Democratic caucus last night, and some Democrats say they’re confident he’ll come around on health care. (More Joe Lieberman stories.)