Joe Lieberman to Retire in 2012

Joe Lieberman, the Democrat from Connecticut who was elected to a 4th term in the US Senate as an independent after losing a primary, is expected to announce tomorrow that he will retire when his term expires in 2012, according to officials in the Democrat party.  Lieberman angered many Democrats with his support of the war in Iraq and by speaking at the Republican convention in 2008, although he continued to caucus with Senate Dems and sides with Democrats on most issues.

Earlier today, Connecticut’s former Secretary of State, Susan Bysiewicz, announced that she would challenge Lieberman in 2012.  Although the timing might make it appear that her challenge prompted the decision to retire, it was already widely believed that Lieberman would face a strong challenge from the left.  His decision to retire may have been in part motivated by the prospect of fighting an uphill battle to hold on to the seat, but the timing is more likely coincidental.