Lieberman, who did not attend the fundraising dinner because of his customary observance of the Jewish Sabbath, also was notably absent from the long list of party leaders cited in Democratic State Chairman Nancy DiNardo's welcoming remarks.
That roster began with former Gov. William A. O'Neill, who also was not in attendance, ran through each of the state's constitutional officers, legislative leaders, and current and former members of Congress, and even included Lamont, whose mention was greeted with a standing ovation and loud cheers.
Meanwhile, Democrats who can usually be counted on to deliver pithy remarks on practically anything proved especially reluctant to make on-the-record comments about Lieberman....
One politician, a former state officeholder who has remained active in the campaigns of several Democrats, even volunteered that he had recently met with a "major fundraiser" for Lieberman who was angry that the senator had become more hawkish since their last meeting.
...Asked again about Lieberman in particular, Dodd reiterated that "Joe's been a friend" with a "long list" of accomplishments for the Democratic Party.
"I believe many people here would have given him a warm welcome," he added.
But Sean Smith, a political operative who served as manager of Lieberman's primary campaign, didn't agree.
"I don't think it would be a good reception," he said, smiling.
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