Lieberman kicks off farewell tour in Connecticut

WTNH TV

MICHAEL MELIA,Associated Press

Updated: Dec 10, 2012 10:53 AM

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman is kicking off a farewell tour with words of thanks for the people of Connecticut and warnings about dysfunction in Washington.

Lieberman is retiring at the end of the session on Jan. 3 after 24 years in the Senate.

He said at a news conference Monday at the state capitol in Hartford that he is visiting as many diners around the state as possible this week to express his gratitude. He announced that he will use his leftover campaign money to create a college scholarship fund for Connecticut high school students.

The Democrat-turned-independent senator also said Congress has become unproductive in part because of ideological rigidity.

He said he and his wife are selling their home in Washington and moving back to Stamford.

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