A senior Democratic Party operative with knowledge of Joe Lieberman’s plans told Hearst Connecticut Newspapers on Tuesday afternoon that Connecticut’s now-senior senator is preparing his exit strategy.
“I would say it’s very likely that the senator is going to announce that he is not seeking re-election,” said the person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Lieberman spokeswoman Erika Masonhall would only confirm that the four-term senator will be making an announcement on his political future at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa in his hometown.
“After many thoughtful conversations with family and friends over the last several months, Senator Lieberman made a decision about his future over the holidays which he plans to announce on Wednesday,” Masonhall said.
Ned Lamont, the Greenwich cable television entrepreneur who defeated Lieberman in the 2006 Democratic primary on a tide of anger over the war in Iraq but lost to the general election to the incumbent, welcomed a potential changing of the guard.
“Look, it’s nothing personal. That’s for sure. I’d love to see Connecticut have a fresh start,” Lamont said. “The pols are going to be jumping into the race. It’s like an open seat whether he’s there or not.”
Lamont, who fell short in his 2010 bid to become governor to fellow Democrat Dannel Malloy, ruled 2012 out for himself.
“I’ve been through the mill a couple of times,” Lamont said. “We’ve got some interesting folks. Let’s see what they have to say.”
Lamont quipped that he would probably be the last person in America with inside knowledge of Lieberman’s plans.
“There are no Wikileaks in Lieberman land,” Lamont said. “I guess he can keep a secret.”