Joe to Lose Gavel

Shocka from CQ:

There’s a good chance Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman will lose his only committee chairmanship next year, according to Democratic aides.

Members of the majority party’s leadership have discussed taking away Lieberman’s gavel on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, perhaps replacing it with a subcommittee gavel, aides said Wednesday.

This should surprise exactly no one. Lieberman's behavior this year has infuriated Democrats in the Senate, and his removal from his chairmanship, and thus effectively from the caucus should not come as earth-shattering news.

I still believe that if Democrats get to exactly 60 in the Senate, Joe is likely to stay, as it would benefit both parties, but that may or may not happen at this point. Indeed, with McCain almost certain to lose at this point, Joe's plan of ultimate revenge to resign from the Senate to enter a McCain cabinet, thereby allowing GOP Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell the opportunity to replace him with a Republican (i.e. Chris Shays, if he is desposed next week), is now out. Therefore, holding onto the gavel, and thus his main source of power, may be his best option left. Whatever happens Tuesday will basically determine what happens. If Dems do not get to 60, he is as good as gone.

Lieberman's nutty moves this year really make no sense. As a former supporter of the guy, I can't understand it. When you are a United States Senator chairing a powerful committee, you should find a way to get over your bitterness. For some reason Joe never memorized one of my favorite expressions:

Living well is the best revenge.

Pity.