Sen. Joe Lieberman to retire in 2012

January 18, 2011 at 8:25p.m.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Joe Lieberman, the 2000 Democratic vice presidential nominee who angered the party by backing Republican John McCain for president in 2008, will retire and not seek a fifth term, Democratic officials said today.

Word of Lieberman's decision came just hours after North Dakota Sen. Kent Conrad, a Democrat, announced he would retire. Lieberman is an independent who usually votes with Democrats. Republican Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana said he plans to seek a seventh term next year despite a challenge from tea party groups.

Lieberman's Connecticut seat could pose a pick-up opportunity for Democrats in a state where President Obama has been popular.