Don't Run as Independent, Kaine Urges

CHARLESTON, S.C., Aug. 5 --Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D), who was the state chairman of Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman's campaign for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination, said Saturday night that if Lieberman loses Tuesday's primary in Connecticut, "I hope he will not run as an independent."

The Connecticut Democrat is trailing antiwar challenger Ned Lamont in polls. Lieberman has said he will take his candidacy for reelection to November as an independent if denied the party nomination.

Kaine said he has become close to Lieberman personally and hopes he wins Tuesday, but nonetheless said it would be "deeply divisive" for Lieberman to remain in the race if Democrats nominate Lamont.

"Politics is a team sport," Kaine said. Although he disagrees with Lamont's call for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, Kaine said he would be inclined to support Lamont if he defeats Lieberman.

Kaine's comment, made during an interview at the National Governors Association meeting here, is an early barometer of the pressure the three-term senator may face from fellow Democrats if he loses.

-- David S. Broder