Lieberman 'Proud' to Work with Republicans

Democratic Sen. Joe Lieberman says he works with Republicans and he's proud of it.

The three-term Connecticut senator faces criticism from some state Democrats and primary challenger Ned Lamont, who contend that Lieberman is too close to President Bush and the GOP on the Iraq war and other issues.

Lieberman answered on Monday, defending his work with Republicans and arguing that Lamont, if elected, would add to the capital's political polarization.

"Washington has become much too partisan and that partisanship gets in the way of doing the job that you send us to do," Lieberman said.

Lieberman dismissed a question about whether he is taking a risk by boasting about his bipartisanship, especially with the Aug. 8 primary looming and Lamont gaining in the polls though still down by double digits.

"I'm telling the truth," he told reporters. "Whether it's risky or not, I don't know."

Lamont, a Greenwich, Conn., businessman who has spent more than $1.5 million of his money on the primary, said: "I'll work with Republicans where I think it's appropriate. But darn it, I'll challenge President Bush where he's wrong."

On Monday, Lamont received the endorsement of George Jepsen, former chairman of the state Democratic Party. He also has the backing of former independent Gov. Lowell Weicker, who was a Republican when he lost his Senate seat to Lieberman in 1988.

Lieberman said again Monday that he will run in the Democratic primary but has not ruled out gathering signatures to get on the November ballot as an unaffiliated candidate if he loses.

"I will be in the Democratic primary," he said. "I have been a Democrat all my life."