Lieberman bows out of Dems' lunches

WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, Ind-Conn., won't be attending Democratic policy lunches in the Senate this month, another sign he is moving away from the party.

"I think it's probably wise for me and for my colleagues in the Democratic caucus to dine somewhere else for the next few weeks," Lieberman told The Hill, a Washington political publication.

Lieberman, a friend of Republican presidential nominee John McCain criticized Democratic challenger Barack Obama during the Republican National Convention last week

Democratic leaders, angered by Lieberman's remarks, have threatened to not allow him to caucus with the party and to strip him of the Homeland Security Committee chairmanship.

Lieberman said the lunches, which are scheduled Tuesdays, have become more focused on the election and that his presence would be awkward.

"It was not fair for me, since I'm not supporting Sen. Obama, to be there," Lieberman, a former Democrat, told the Washington publication. "I think I'll stay away for a while, with respect."

Lieberman said he hasn't thought about what may happen after the election or whether he would caucus with Republicans next year.

"I have no intention to do that," he said. "But anything is possible."