Lieberman Independence Hinders Democrats’ Health-Care End Game

(Bloomberg) - Joseph Lieberman was re-elected to the U.S. Senate as a political independent after Connecticut Democrats snubbed him in 2006. Now, he’s living up to that designation as a potential obstacle to President Barack Obama’s top priority, health care.

Lieberman, 67, has clout among Democrats as part of the 60- member party caucus Majority Leader Harry Reid needs to bring his health-care measure to a final vote without Republican support. On Nov. 8, Lieberman said he’ll oppose any bill containing a public plan that would compete with private insurers such as Aetna Inc., based in his home state, because it could swell U.S. debt. Reid’s bill has that provision.

Al Gore’s running mate in 2000, Lieberman backed Republican John McCain for president in 2008. While Lieberman still aligns himself with the Democratic caucus, his threat to block health legislation “as a matter of conscience” shows a growing willingness and confidence to stand on his own, analysts say.