Lieberman has given $30,000 overall during this election cycle, all to Democrats. The Democrat-turned-independent has been especially generous to those facing — or who faced — uphill reelection battles, such as Sens. Blanche Lincoln (Ark.), Chris Dodd (Conn.) and Arlen Specter (Pa.). Lincoln is trailing in her race by double digits, while Specter lost his May primary bid. Dodd announced his retirement this spring after polls showed him trailing in Connecticut.

Lieberman’s largesse is notable since he and Reid appeared to have a rocky relationship in recent years, sparring over healthcare reform and Lieberman’s endorsement of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in the 2008 presidential race.

But a Lieberman aide said that behind the scenes, the two senators have always been closer than many observers think.

“They really haven’t had friction,” the aide said. “They’ve always had a cordial relationship and a very open one too, so when they have differences they discuss it openly. That’s always been the case, even during the talk of the public option. I won’t deny they have differences, but they’ve always resolved them amicably. I would describe it as a warm friendship, not distant or professional relationship.”

And Lieberman could be seen as repaying Reid's generosity — the then-minority leader contributed $5,000 to Lieberman's 2006 reelection bid, through his PAC, in November 2005. Lieberman lost the Democratic primary that following May, but won reelection in November 2006 as an independent.

Plus, earlier this year, when Democratic senators wanted Reid to yank Lieberman’s chairmanship of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Reid stood up for Lieberman and kept a crucial vote in the Democratic caucus.
http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/116475-democrats-lieberman-donate-big-to-reid