Lieberman defends his efforts to work with Republicans

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/connecticut/ny-bc-ct--lieberman-lamont0619jun19,0,1042951.story?coll=ny-region-apconnecticut

Lieberman touts bipartisanship, says Lamont would be polarizing

CROMWELL, Conn. -- U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, facing a tough Democratic primary battle, on Monday defended his efforts to work with Republicans and said his challenger would add to the partisan politics in Washington.

Lieberman, speaking to reporters after an address at the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, said he is fed up with what he sees as "rigid partisanship" on multiple issues facing the country, not just the war in Iraq. He said his primary challenger, Greenwich businessman Ned Lamont, would add to the polarization in Washington.

He dismissed a question about whether he is taking a political risk by touting his bipartisanship, especially with an Aug. 8 primary looming and critics claiming he is too cozy with President Bush and too supportive of the war.

"I'm telling the truth," he said. "Whether it's risky or not, I don't know."