Lieberman may back Republican in 2008

[mcpeepants]

Lieberman may back Republican in 2008

Sun Jan 28, 5:46 PM ET

WASHINGTON - Connecticut Sen.
Joe Lieberman, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee in 2000 who won re-election as an independent last year, says he is open to supporting any party's White House nominee in 2008.
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"I'm going to do what most independents and a lot of Democrats and Republicans in America do, which is to take a look at all the candidates and then in the end, regardless of party, decide who I think will be best for the future of our country," Lieberman said Sunday.

"So I'm open to supporting a Democrat, Republican or even an Independent, if there's a strong one. Stay tuned," said the three-term lawmaker who caucuses with Senate Democrats.

Lieberman is an ally of GOP Sen. John McCain (news, bio, voting record) of Arizona, a 2008 hopeful, and supports
President Bush's new
Iraq strategy. Lieberman won re-election as an independent last fall when Democrats backed an anti-war candidate who won the party primary.

Speaking of which politician he may support in 2008, Lieberman said, "Obviously, the positions that some candidates have taken in Iraq troubles me. Obviously, I will be looking at what positions they take in the larger war against Islamist terrorism."

He added, "I am genuinely an independent. I agree more often than not with Democrats on domestic policy. I agree more often than not with Republicans on foreign and defense policy."

The senator said he wanted to select someone "I believe is best for the future of our country. ... Party is important, but more important is the national interest. And that's the basis that I will decide whom to support for president."

Lieberman spoke on "Fox News Sunday."

___

WASHINGTON (AP) — Even Sen. Joe Biden jokes about the Democrats' crowded White House field for 2008, which he is joining this week.

"I'm the 800th candidate," said Biden, who plans to make it official on Wednesday.

Dominating the early stages of the race are New York Sen.
Hillary Rodham Clinton and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama (news, bio, voting record). Other candidates include former North Carolina Sen.
John Edwards, the 2004 vice presidential nominee; Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, and Ohio Rep.
Dennis Kucinich.

"I am absolutely confident, if I get to stand on a stage, sit in the room with all the candidates you mentioned, I'll do just fine," Biden said in a broadcast interview when Clinton, Obama and Edwards were specifically cited.

"This is a marathon. If people learn my story, learn my record, I think I can compete. The question is, can I raise the money?"

The Delaware senator was interviewed on "This Week" on ABC.

___

WASHINGTON (AP) — James Garfield was the last sitting House member to win election as president when the Ohio Republican captured the White House in 1880.

Rep. Duncan Hunter (news, bio, voting record), R-Calif., realizes he is up against history as his 2008 campaign moves ahead.

"Well, that's true. But on the other hand, somebody's got to win this race," he said Sunday. "And I think my messages of a strong national defense, secure border, bring some of those high-paying manufacturing jobs back that we've given away because of trade deals that weren't smart.

"And I think that my messages will resonate with the American people and I think I've got a chance to win this thing."

Hunter faces a crowded GOP field, including Sen. John McCain of Arizona, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback (news, bio, voting record) and Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo.

Until Democrats took control of Congress this month, Hunter was chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, which oversees military policy.

But he is little known outside of Congress and his San Diego district. He is a strong opponent of illegal immigration who wants fences extended along the U.S.-Mexico border and supports the prosecution of smugglers bringing illegal immigrants across the border.

Hunter appeared on "This Week" on ABC.

[Logan13]

I will back the best candidate as well, just as any sane American should do. I am a conservative, but I rarely vote straight down the party line.