Alexander, Lieberman encourage civility with Senate

Both conservative and liberal senators have said they will attend, said Alexander. The Tennessee Republican said he is still working on more commitments.

“It’s easier to work together if you know one another better,” Alexander said. “That’s not brain surgery to figure that out.”

Lieberman lost the Democratic primary in Connecticut earlier this year, but later trounced anti-war Democrat Ned Lamont to win a fourth term as an independent.

Democrats have a one seat advantage in the Senate _ 49 Democrats and independents Lieberman and Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Republicans hold 49 seats.

Lieberman said on the “Meet the Press” TV program last month that he won re-election in part by promising voters to “put progress and patriotism ahead of partisanship and polarization. If we fall back in a partisan conflict, Democrats are going to be rejected by the public next time just like Republicans were this time.”

Alexander said the Senate breakfasts will be limited to lawmakers _ there will be no access for staffers or the media.

Lieberman and Alexander recently signed a letter to all senators inviting them to the breakfasts they plan to host every Tuesday beginning Jan. 9.

Besides personal conversations, the group of Senators will hear from committee chairmen and top Republicans about major legislative initiatives. Alexander said he hopes the breakfasts will help break through the gridlock.

“Voters would prefer that we act like grown-ups and work on big issues and not play partisan, kindergarten games,” he said.

The breakfast group won’t take positions on any bills, Alexander said, but Senators will be free to form coalitions on certain bills outside the weekly gatherings.

Alexander said he hopes that the weekly breakfasts will become a “regular institution” in the Senate.