WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) today issued the following statement regarding the developments in Libya:

"The liberation of Tripoli that is at last happening now marks a historic turning point in the Arab Spring and a victory for the advance of freedom globally. For the first time, a Middle Eastern dictator who tried to hang onto power by unleashing the most brutal possible violence is being deposed by his own people. The collapse of the Qaddafi regime thus sends a clear message to other autocratic regimes throughout the region -- from Damascus to Teheran -- that their day of reckoning too shall come.

"The liberation of Libya is an achievement that belongs first and foremost to the Libyan people, whose bravery and determination has forever changed the course of their history, and ours. This is also a victory for the United States and our NATO allies, whose use of military force stopped Qaddafi when he was on the brink of slaughtering his own people and empowered them to secure their destiny for themselves. America should be proud of the role we have played.

"While we join the Libyan people in celebrating this moment, we also know from history that the fall of a dictator does not guarantee the emergence of a successful, stable democracy in its wake. We also know that decisions and actions made in the immediate days and weeks ahead will carry consequences for years to come. For this reason, it is critical for the U.S. to redouble our assistance to and coordination with the Transitional National Council.

"In particular, we must support the new Libyan authorities to ensure they are able to prevent acts of retribution, initiate a credible process of national reconciliation, secure weapons depots and critical infrastructure, protect vulnerable populations, establish security and rule of law in Tripoli and throughout Libya, and begin the broadest possible outreach across Libyan society for an inclusive and transparent political transition. I am encouraged by the statements of Council leaders in recent days, instructing their forces to treat captured Qaddafi forces in accordance with the Geneva Conventions and pledging to protect the rights of all people in a post-Qaddafi Libya. These are precisely the right messages and reinforce the confidence of the international community in the TNC.

"Although I am optimistic that the Libyans will be able to shoulder the bulk of the transition to democracy on their own, I also hope that the U.S. and its allies will make available any and all assistance they request, including a civilian international monitoring mission.

"Qaddafi and his remaining loyalists also have a choice now. Rather than inflicting further pointless bloodshed and suffering, it is time for them to accept the will of the Libyan people and give up peacefully, before it is too late. There should be no doubt, anyone who persists in pursuing violence will be defeated.

"The liberation of Tripoli is a great step forward on the long and difficult path of the Libyan people to freedom. We recognize that journey is still far from complete, and that there are still many perils and pitfalls ahead. But as long as the Libyan people continue on this path, they should know that America will stay by their side as a friend and ally."

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) today issued the following statement regarding the developments in Libya:

"The liberation of Tripoli that is at last happening now marks a historic turning point in the Arab Spring and a victory for the advance of freedom globally. For the first time, a Middle Eastern dictator who tried to hang onto power by unleashing the most brutal possible violence is being deposed by his own people. The collapse of the Qaddafi regime thus sends a clear message to other autocratic regimes throughout the region -- from Damascus to Teheran -- that their day of reckoning too shall come.

"The liberation of Libya is an achievement that belongs first and foremost to the Libyan people, whose bravery and determination has forever changed the course of their history, and ours. This is also a victory for the United States and our NATO allies, whose use of military force stopped Qaddafi when he was on the brink of slaughtering his own people and empowered them to secure their destiny for themselves. America should be proud of the role we have played.

"While we join the Libyan people in celebrating this moment, we also know from history that the fall of a dictator does not guarantee the emergence of a successful, stable democracy in its wake. We also know that decisions and actions made in the immediate days and weeks ahead will carry consequences for years to come. For this reason, it is critical for the U.S. to redouble our assistance to and coordination with the Transitional National Council.

"In particular, we must support the new Libyan authorities to ensure they are able to prevent acts of retribution, initiate a credible process of national reconciliation, secure weapons depots and critical infrastructure, protect vulnerable populations, establish security and rule of law in Tripoli and throughout Libya, and begin the broadest possible outreach across Libyan society for an inclusive and transparent political transition. I am encouraged by the statements of Council leaders in recent days, instructing their forces to treat captured Qaddafi forces in accordance with the Geneva Conventions and pledging to protect the rights of all people in a post-Qaddafi Libya. These are precisely the right messages and reinforce the confidence of the international community in the TNC.

"Although I am optimistic that the Libyans will be able to shoulder the bulk of the transition to democracy on their own, I also hope that the U.S. and its allies will make available any and all assistance they request, including a civilian international monitoring mission.

"Qaddafi and his remaining loyalists also have a choice now. Rather than inflicting further pointless bloodshed and suffering, it is time for them to accept the will of the Libyan people and give up peacefully, before it is too late. There should be no doubt, anyone who persists in pursuing violence will be defeated.

"The liberation of Tripoli is a great step forward on the long and difficult path of the Libyan people to freedom. We recognize that journey is still far from complete, and that there are still many perils and pitfalls ahead. But as long as the Libyan people continue on this path, they should know that America will stay by their side as a friend and ally."

AVON - Wednesday the Lisa Wilson-Foley for Congress Campaign announced two more State Legislator endorsements from State representatives Al Adinolfi and Whit Betts.

"Having know Lisa for over 10 years, I know she is someone we all would be proud to have representing us. She is not a career politician. Instead, she is a successful small business owner, devoted mother, and a leader committed to achieving fiscal discipline in our federal budget, to helping unemployed people get jobs, and to fighting for affordable health care reform that makes sense for everyone," said first-term State Representative Whit Betts, who represents Plymouth, Terryville, and Bristol.

"As a party, we have to nominate the Republican who can win this seat back for us. That Republican is Lisa Wilson-Foley. Not only does she have the right message, but she will do the ahrd work necessary to spread that message to voters across our District," said State Representative Al Adinolfi, who represents Cheshire.

Hartford Business.com is reporting that a recent survey released by Congressman Chris Murphy, D-5th District and Senator Blumenthal said 89% of respondents planned to increase or maintain their workforce this year but it is difficult due to a lack of skilled workers.

Click here to read the full article from HartfordBusiness.com.

WASHINGTON, DC—Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) issued the following statement today about the passing of Dave Solomon:

“I am saddened by the tragic death of Dave Solomon, who was a Connecticut journalistic institution. Dave will be deeply missed by all of us who enjoyed his sports reporting and insights into the athletics and people he covered for so many years. Hadassah's and my prayers and thoughts are with his wife, Judy, and daughters, Abby and Lisa.”

WASHINGTON, DC—Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) issued the following statement today about the passing of Mark Hatfield:

“I mourn the passing of my former colleague and friend Mark Hatfield who was the embodiment of principled, independent-minded leadership. At a time when we lament the coarsening of our political dialog, we would all do well to follow the example of Senator Hatfield who was always a gentleman and his disagreements with his colleagues were never disagreeable. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”