A day after bipartisan support for an energy and climate change bill appeared to crumble, a Senate sponsor said Sunday he was optimistic the coalition would regroup and lawmakers would consider the measure this year.

By MATTHEW DALY and DOUGLASS K. DANIEL at AP via WORLDmag.com

Sen. Joe Lieberman, a Connecticut independent, said in an interview with The Associated Press that he was encouraged after talking to Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who were at odds over Reid’s suggestion that an immigration overhaul might be considered ahead of the energy bill.

Lieberman said Reid pledged to bring the energy bill to the full Senate as soon as possible this year. In a separate conversation, according to Lieberman, Graham reiterated his support for the energy bill once it’s no longer tangled up with immigration legislation.

“Now I’m encouraged,” Lieberman said. Asked when the energy bill might advance, he said, “Sometime soon, as soon as we can get Lindsey on board.”

Graham has threatened to withhold his support for the energy bill if Senate Democrats opt to deal first with immigration. He accused Reid of a “cynical political ploy” in suggesting the change, which comes as Reid faces a difficult re-election in heavily Hispanic Nevada and immigration legislation is a priority for Hispanics.

FULL STORY

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