No hugs or kisses for Lieberman at submarine session

WATERFORD, Conn. --No Republicans kissed embattled Sen. Joseph Lieberman Thursday. They even refused to hug the Democrat, who is running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary to Ned Lamont.

But that doesn't mean they don't care. It's just a delicate topic in Connecticut these days.

Lieberman has been criticized for his perceived closeness to President Bush, who appeared to kiss the senator on his cheek following his 2005 State of the Union address.

"I did say to Joe on the way in I wasn't going to hug him," said Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell.

Lieberman, who met with other public officials at a strategy session to protect the Submarine Base New London on Thursday, is counting on the support of independents and Republicans in the general election. But he does not want to alienate Democrats.

He also did not shy away from Republicans Thursday as they marked their successful campaign a year ago to keep the New London Submarine Base open.

U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons, R-Conn., walked over to greet Lieberman when he arrived. The men shook hands and smiled.

"After you, Sen.," Simmons said as the men approached the building.

"Team Connecticut," Simmons said, referring to the bipartisan campaign to keep the base open.

"I agree. It's a model," Lieberman said.

Simmons explained how he wanted to diversify the base so that it would be around long after the men left office.

"Speak for yourself," Lieberman quipped.

Neither Republican offered much of an endorsement for Lieberman's Republican challenger, Alan Schlesinger. Rell has previously called for him to reconsider his candidacy following revelations he used a fake name to gamble at Foxwoods Resort Casino in the 1990s.

Pressed Thursday, Rell would only say Schlesinger was the party's candidate.

"You have a right to remain silent," Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, advised Rell.

Simmons didn't effusively back Schlesinger either.

"As a Republican, I'm inclined to support the Republican candidate," he said.

He had more praise for Lieberman, saying he deserved credit for helping to keep the base open.

"It really helps me to have a senior guy on the Armed Services Committee," Simmons said.

Inside, Lieberman spoke of a "near death experience." He was referring to the battle over the base.

"We checked our party labels at the door," Lieberman said.