Democrats in the Senate refused calls today to boot Sen. Joe Lieberman out of their caucus, even after the Connecticut Independent had endorsed and heartily campaigned for Sen. John McCain in the Presidential race.

Lieberman kept his chairmanship of the Homeland Security Committee, and a subcommittee chair on the Armed Services panel.

But as punishment for opposing Barack Obama, Lieberman was forced out of his seat on the Senate Environment Committee, taking away a prime spot where he had focused on global warming.

"I appreciate their respect for my independence of mind," said Lieberman.  "That's who I am."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid made clear that Democrats had heeded the word of President-Elect Obama, who urged them to look to the future and not the past.

"It's a resolution of reconciliation and not retribution, and I appreciate it," Lieberman told reporters just off the Senate floor.