Sen. Joe Lieberman To Retire In 2012

Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT), the frequent bane of both Democrats and Republicans and an unlikely hero in the repeal of DADT, will announce his retirement tomorrow.

Lieberman's long awaited decision means an end to a political career that took from the 2000 Democratic vice presidential nominee and 2004 Democratic presidential candidate to a speaking role at the 2008 Republican National Convention in support of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). Lieberman's increased alienation from the Democratic party -- primarily over his ardent support for the war in Iraq -- led to his defeat at the hands of cable television executive Ned Lamont in 2006. But, Lieberman formed his own independent party and beat Lamont in a general election to win a fourth term. His numbers among Democrats only declined since that time, however, making it next-to-impossible for Lieberman to run and win as a Democrat in 2012.

In less high-profile Senate news, North Dakota Sen. Kent Conrad (D) also announced his 2012 retirement today.