Officials: Sen. Joe Lieberman will retire in 2012

Senator Joe Lieberman, the 2000 Democratic vice presidential nominee who angered the party by backing Republican John McCain for president in 2008, will retire and not seek a fifth term, Democratic officials said Tuesday.

Lieberman is an independent who usually votes with Democrats. Republican Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana on Tuesday said he plans to seek a seventh term next year despite a challenge from tea party groups. (AP)