Liberal groups want Lieberman out as chair

WASHINGTON, July 2 (UPI) -- Several liberal groups said they will submit a petition to U.S. Senate leaders asking that Sen. Joe Lieberman, Ind-Conn., be stripped of his chairmanship.

The liberal group Brave New Films began the petition drive to ask the Democratic leadership to remove Lieberman as chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for the next Congress, The Hill reported Wednesday. So far the drive, highlighted on liberal blogs such as Huffington Post and Open Left, has collected more than 41,000 signatures.

Lieberman, the Democrats' vice presidential nominee in 2000, has been a thorn in the left's side for his support of the Iraq war and for Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., in his presidential bid, among other things, the report said.

The groups plan to present their petitions to Democratic Steering Committee, which make committee assignment recommendations for the next Congress to Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., the Washington publication said.

Marshall Wittmann, a Lieberman spokesman, dismissed the effort, saying, "Americans are tired of this type of old, petty partisan politics."

Reid has indicated he would protect Lieberman's seniority next Congress. Lieberman caucuses with the party, giving it a 51-49 majority in the Senate.