UPDATE ON A CONNECTICUT DONKEY

Robert Novak is reporting today that Republicans are raising funds for Democratic (sic) Senator Joe Lieberman's re-election in Connecticut.

Craig Fuller and H.P. Goldfield, both active Republican lobbyists hosted a fund-raising dinner at Goldfield's home on Thursday. Fuller was a cabinet member in both Reagan and Bush 41 presidencies. Goldfield, a Reagan aide and assistant Commerce secretary, also raised funds for the elder Bush in both his campaigns.

Although Lieberman has come out strong for lobbyist reform, Novak says three of the dinner's five hosts were major lobbyists. "Fuller represents the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. Goldfield lobbies for Airbus and for energy companies (ConcocoPhillips, Dynegy International and Gulfsands Petroleum). Co-host C. Michael Gilliland, a partner in the Hogan & Hartson law firm, represents a variety of clients." Novak said.

On Friday, Lieberman pulled one of vice president Dick Cheney's favorite tricks -- he called in to the rabidly right-wing Sean Hannity radio show to make points with the "Great Americans" and to answer Hannity's question -- "Does Joe Lieberman want me to endorse him?"

Friday, Hannity built the suspense for two hours before finally taking Lieberman's call. Lieberman, like all previous callers, assured Hannity that he was a "Great American," which seems to be a prerequisite for talking to Hannity since the "Dittohead" label is already taken. Hannity shot right back with, "No -- you're a Great American."

Hannity and Lieberman briefly discussed the performance of ex FEMA head Michael Brown at the senate hearing earlier that day. Lieberman said that Brown was trying to blame the administration for his incompetent response to Hurricane Katrina. "Brown even said he would go to his room at night and cry," Lieberman said, "but that just doesn't work..."

Then, formalities over, Hannity asked, "Tell me yes or no, Senator Lieberman -- do you want ME to endorse you?" Lieberman, all shivers and giggles, finally came back with a coy, "I want everybody to support me, and I would be proud to have your support."

Do you hear that, Connecticut Democrats? Joe Lieberman is proud to accept money from Republican political activists and lobbists -- proud to have the support, which translates to "endorsement" of Sean Hannity, the most flagrant right-wing spinner -- a stupid, ill-informed loud-mouth who routinely lies and attacks Lieberman's fellow Democrats in an orchestrated, non-stop campaign to destroy them.

The question is not why Lieberman accepted campaign money from his political enemies -- not why he accepted a Hannity endorsement. The question is what is this Democrat, a former vice-presidential nominee, doing at a Republican fund-raiser -- making calls to a Republican operative -- in the first damn place.

It's time for Joe to go.