Malloy, Blumenthal dodge queries on Lieberman, Bysiewicz

With quips and well-worn talking points, U.S Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy dodged inquiries today about Susan Bysiewicz’s entrance into the 2012 Senate race today and Joe Lieberman’s expected exit Wednesday.

What does Lieberman’s lame-duck status mean for the delegation?

“It means you’re a senior senator pretty quickly,” Malloy said, looking at Blumenthal.

“I’m focused on fighting and advocating for Connecticut,” Blumenthal said. “I’ll work with anyone and everyone who is on that team.”

The new senator and new governor met with reporters outside Malloy’s office.

Neither wanted to handicap the Senate race.

“I’m focused on doing my job,” Blumenthal said. “People are pretty tired of politics right now. I know I am.”

Malloy offered his own tongue-in-cheek theory for the timing of Lieberman’s announcement.

“I just think he’s so happy that someone from Stamford got elected governor that he can retire now feeling fully satisfied that Stamford will be well represented in state politics for a period of time,” Malloy said.

“I’m not going there,” Blumenthal said.

A new senator and a new governor.