According to our friends at DC Vote, Senator Lieberman has announced that the mark-up in the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs will very likely be Wednesday, June 13 at 10:00 AM in 342 Dirksen. This information is subject to change, so check back for updates.

They also ask to keep up pressure on Senator Susan Collins from Maine, as she is seen as a swing vote on the committee. How Collins votes on this bill next week will be very telling on a number of levels.

First, she’s seen as a very “gettable” Republican, so it will be an instant barometer of support from moderate GOP Senators - as will the votes of Warner, Voinovich and Coleman. So, if you know anyone in Maine, please send them to http://www.freeandequaldc.com

Second, it will say a lot about the actual clout Senator Lieberman has on this bill. Lieberman has endorsed Collins for re-election in 2008 over Maine Democratic Congressman Tom Allen (who did vote for the bill in the House and has been a friend to the District). If Lieberman can’t deliver Collin’s vote, then it calls into question what votes he can actually deliver. On this issue, Lieberman is a good friend to have, so let’s hope he can close the deal on some GOP members.

See you at the hearing next week….