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PrintDecember 17, 2007
Lieberman to endorse McCain
In a move widely seen as a huge plus for the Arizona Republican, Independent Senator Joe Lieberman, former Vice Presidential candidate for the Democratic party, will cross the aisle and endorse John McCain today:
Sen. Joseph Lieberman (Conn.), the 2000 Democratic vice-presidential nominee who currently lists his party affiliation as "Independent Democrat," will break party ranks tomorrow to endorse Sen. John McCain's presidential bid, according to sources close to the Arizona RepublicanMcCain gave Lieberman's independent candidacy a boost by endorsing him over the GOP candidate in the Connecticut senate race. Lieberman is a highly respected Senator among independents and moderates. About 40% of New Hampshire voters identify themselves in that way and a nod from Lieberman may energize enough of those voters to vote for McCain.
The announcement will be made Monday in New Hampshire where Lieberman's moderate credentials may well help convince influential independent voters to support McCain.
"Obviously it helps us with Independents in New Hampshire" said a McCain source familiar with the endorsement. "But the real reason Lieberman is endorsing McCain is because he believes that John is the best candidate on issues of national security and the candidate most prepared to fight war against radical Islamic extremists."
McCain and Lieberman have been close friends for years and have emerged over the last several years as two of the most outspoken proponents of the war in Iraq. Lieberman's support for the war cost him his party's Senate nomination in 2006 as anti-war forces from across the country rallied behind businessman Ned Lamont to oust him. Unbowed, Lieberman ran and won as an independent for re-election.
This would almost certainly put McCain within striking distance of a shocking victory - a win that may very well deliver a crushing blow to the Romney campaign.
The list of recent endorsements for McCain includes the Des Moines Register and Boston Globe - two influential publications that will give residents of those states something to think about over the Christmas holidays.
