WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — After Senator Joe Lieberman (I-Connecticut) announced on Tuesday that his current Senate term would be his last, Republican Jewish Coalition Executive Director Matthew Brooks responded by lauding the Senator’s accomplishments and expressing gratitude for friendship across the political aisle.
“Senator Lieberman is a true mensch and a great American. He showed that it’s possible to have a successful political career while doing what you feel is right – even when what’s right is not what’s in your political best interests. Time and again, Senator Lieberman put principle over politics. He was a role model and a shining example of all that’s good and decent about public service.”
“He’s been called the last of the Scoop Jackson Democrats, but he is one of a kind and irreplaceable. We’ll dearly miss his friendship – and the leadership he showed through more than two decades in the Senate.”
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Editor’s Note: Lieberman was reelected as an Independent after the Democratic party gave its nomination to another candidate. During most of his career, he was a Democrat and even after becoming an Independent, he caucused with the Democrats in the Senate. He was the Democratic vice presidential candidate in 2000, running on a ticket with Al Gore.
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In another reaction to Lieberman’s retirement, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said: “The very existence of the Department of Homeland Security is due in large part to Senator Lieberman. Dating back to the first days after 9/11, he has been an instrumental architect of the very way we work to keep America safe from the evolving threats we face in the 21st century. Senator Lieberman’s tireless, nonpartisan efforts have truly made our country more secure, and he has my personal thanks. I wish him the very best in his upcoming retirement, and I look forward to continuing to work with him to secure our country over the next two years.”
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There were also other tributes:
“The National Jewish Democratic Council thanks Senator Joe Lieberman for his years of dedicated and loyal service to our country. He has stood out as a leader who always did what he believed was right, regardless of whether or not it was politically popular. We will always remember the important steps he took to break the glass ceiling for the Jewish community in public service, from his appearance in Washington as the first Orthodox Jewish Senator to his acceptance of our party’s Vice Presidential nomination in 2000. Lieberman has also been a vocal advocate for issues of importance to American Jews, including support for Israel and – especially in recent months -the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ We have appreciated his friendship and partnership on these and other key issues over the years. NJDC wishes Lieberman the best of luck in his future endeavors – his presence and voice in the Senate will be missed.”