Reid torn over Lieberman Senate role

WASHINGTON, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., says he's torn over how to handle rebellious former Democratic Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn.

On one hand, Lieberman stumped on national television for Republican U.S. presidential nominee John McCain, R-Ariz., and reportedly was McCain's first choice as a vice presidential running mate. But on the other hand, Lieberman has supported many Democratic Party positions, Reid told CNN Saturday.

"Joe Lieberman has done something that I think was improper, wrong, and I'd like if we weren't on television, I'd use a stronger word of describing what he did," Reid told CNN. "But Joe Lieberman votes with me a lot more than a lot of my senators." Reid said he and Lieberman agree on most issues other than the Iraq War.

The broadcaster said Reid wants to remove Lieberman from his position as chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee and move him to a less visible role, but Lieberman has reportedly balked.

Newsweek magazine reported Saturday that McCain was set to tap Lieberman as his running mate, but was overruled by GOP campaign officials who said the pro-choice Connecticut senator would cost too many votes among the Republican base.