He's not a plumber, but for years, he's been the fixit guy in the Senate. Joe Lieberman is on everyone's list these days. That may not be a good thing.

A long-time Democrat turned Independent from Connecticut, Joe Lieberman was once the Democratic candidate for Vice President. Now, he's viewed by Democrats as a moderate Republican in Democratic costume. He remains in the Democratic Caucus, but that's now under discussion - and debate.

The Republicans are not sure if they want him because of his close ties to the Democratic party and many Democrats are definite that they don't really want him back in their ranks. Particularly when they see him "chummy" with Dick Cheney. Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader is keeping 'an open mind', trying to heal open wounds, but this may be beyond his abilities to resolve. So where's a Joe to go?

Probably to retirement, the way things look. Connecticut has made a dramatic shift back to the Democratic Party, evidenced by the ousting of Rep. Christopher Shays, a moderate and popular, well-respected Republican member of the House from the south-western portion of the state. Shays, a highly experienced member of the Financial Services Committee was, like Lieberman, the voice of moderation and reason but voters removed him from office in a state-wide swing.

The question remains whether Lieberman, who faced stiff opposition in the last election, can cope with a political base realignment in the state he serves or hope for the continued adoration of the masses. No matter what Connecticut voters may do, his position in Washington politics will likely remain a very difficult one.

In many political differences of opinion, it was Joe who would come to the rescue and moderate a happy solution everyone could live with, saving the face of both parties. However, his role as a moderator is in question when the Senate has shifted heavily towards the Democratic Party. Several other moderate Republicans are likely to vote with the Democratic majority, so Joe's previous role is moot. With a strong Democratic presence, it's unlikely any Republicans will mount intense opposition campaigns or filibuster in the next Congress. Because he supported McCain, it's highly unlikely the Obama White House would consider him for some top job or appointment to the Supreme Court.

His trust level is deeply diminished in the eyes of most Senate colleagues and politcial insiders on Capitol Hill. Though his support for McCain was on a personal level - the two have been close friends for years - politically, it was an unwise move unless he's planning to retire from political life. That might not be so bad an idea. He's a perfect candidate for a post at a major university or on the board of a publically-traded company.  One thing Joe still has - chutzpah, and a darn good thing he does. He'll need it in the next few months as wounds heal.

Where Joe sits in the eyes of his Senate colleagues is likely to be decided in the next few weeks. No matter what's decided, he has a huge task of fence mending if he's going to recoup his formerly sterling reputation. While he remains one of the most likeable senators, he's not winning any popularity contests in the upper chamber.

Who knows? Maybe Joe the Plumber will hire Joe the Senator to be his political advisor when he takes his plumbing company public?