Sen. Lieberman's final diner tour

GROTON, Conn. (WTNH)-- We caught up with retiring Senator Joseph Lieberman and his wife Hadassah, outside Norm's Diner in Groton. A familiar stop for this senator, who has visited 130 diners in 60 cities and towns, since taking office in 1988.

"Well it's melancholy in that I feel all the 24 years of all this running around and the diner stops and I get, you know, I didn't do them earlier, and I get close to the people this way," said Hadassah.

Today's tour takes the Liebermans to diners in each of the state's five congressional districts.

"Really to say thank you to people in the state for giving me the privilege of being a senator for 24 years," said Senator Lieberman.

Michelle Allen has been a supporter from the start.

"I'm just sad and happy at the same time. I'm glad to see him but I'm sad he's leaving," said Allen, from New London.

This is one of five stops for Senator Lieberman. He was going to continue this thank you/farewell tour until next Wednesday, a week from today, which is his final day in office. But because of the looming fiscal cliff he is off to Washington tonight.

"It's a failure of the system. I'm really embarrassed by it but hopefully we can redeem ourselves and get something done before the end of the year to avoid the physical cliff," said Senator Lieberman.
    
And the rise in taxes he says for everyone. Even in retirement he plans to stay involved in public policy.

"As my wife says I have an incurable disease," said Senator Lieberman.

When asked if she'll see her husband more often, Hadassah said, "I hope so. I want to have breakfast with him sometimes. We'll see. We just have to go slow it's a big change."