Salazar Vows To Back Lieberman In November As Democrat OR Independent

Looking to bolster his streed cred as a Democratic centrist loyal to establishment figures--and likewise to distance himself from the unsavory far-left nutroots Kostards--Salazar has extended his support for Lieberman beyond the primary:

WASHINGTON — Sen. Ken Salazar is risking the ire of some fellow Democrats by pledging to support incumbent Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut in November's election whether or not he wins the Democratic primary.

Lieberman, a centrist and stalwart supporter of the war in Iraq, is facing a serious challenge from anti-war candidate Ned Lamont in the Aug. 8 Democratic primary.

Late last week, Lieberman announced he was taking an unusual step to hedge his bets by circulating petitions to run on the ballot as an independent candidate even if he loses the Democratic primary.

Liberal activists have been trying to pressure national Democrats to support the winner of the primary, even if it is not the incumbent. This week, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., said she would not back Lieberman if he loses the primary.

But Salazar said Wednesday that he is firmly in Lieberman’s camp and that he will support him in an independent bid if he loses the Democratic primary.

This may not play well among Northeast Liberals, but in Colorado there may be Democrats, but the left-wing moonbats are relegated to Boulder and Aspen and a few pockets in Denver. Salazar's commitment to Lieberman strengthens some existing ties ("Gang of 14"), and any far-left Democratic backlash could be countered with support from those independents and hawkish Democrats who like Lieberman.