Independent Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman will announce tomorrow that he will not seek re-election in 2012, a source says.
Kevin Rennie, a political columnist and former Republican state legislator, writes on Daily Ructions that Lieberman will announce this decision to supporters Wednesday afternoon.
Lieberman is scheduled to make his statement at 12:30 p.m. in Stamford, Connecticut.
In 2006, Lieberman lost the Democratic Senate primary to Ned Lamont. Considered too conservative for the party’s base at the time, Lieberman went on to win reelection running as an independent with significant support from Republican voters.
Democratic challengers have already started to enter the 2012 race for Lieberman’s seat. Former Connecticut Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz officially announced her candidacy Tuesday, and Democratic Rep. Chris Murphy is also expected to run as well.
As an independent senator, Lieberman angered both Democrats and Republicans. In 2008 he campaigned for Republican Sen. John McCain for president, but has simultaneously been an active proponent of liberal causes, including sponsoring the repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.