The Washington Post has an article showing that a Lieberman PAC, Reuniting Our Country, gave $5,000 to the Gordon Smith reelection effort. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/...
Merkley was a vocal supporter of Lieberman's bid to remain at the top of the Homeland Security committee chairmanship. As we well know, Lieberman won with an overwhelming 42-13 vote.
"But not even Merkley knew of Lieberman's backing of Smith in their critical Senate race, until Capitol Briefing alerted his staff today."
"We were surprised to hear this news, but it's time to put the election behind us. Jeff Merkley is looking forward to working with all his new colleagues on an agenda that will put our nation back on track," said Julie Edwards, spokeswoman for Merkley."
Of course, "putting the election behind us" in this case is like saying "putting the will of the electorate behind us," or "elections have no consequences."
Truly I believe all the talk of "bipartisanship" and "reconciliation" are smokescreens for two very upsetting conclusions.
- Senatorial comity and privilege trump all other factors.
- The more disturbing conclusion, that will draw intense flaming, calling me a Naderite, etc.: That the Democrats support the Lieberman platform - continued aggression in the Middle East, especially as regards Iran, FISA, torture, militarism, etc. However, they want Lieberman to do the dirty work and heavy lifting. It is a good cop / bad cop routine with the American people, who are sick of these failed policies. They had the chance to clear him out, but didn't do it, and that speaks volumes more than rhetoric.