Hagan casts her first vote

Sen.-elect Kay Hagan has already cast her first vote.

Although the incoming freshman senator has not yet been sworn in, she was allowed to vote as part of the Senate Democratic caucus Tuesday.

The question: Should Sen. Joe Lieberman be allowed to remain chairman of the Homeland Security committee?

Some had argued that the Connecticut independent should be stripped of his chairmanship for making disparaging comments about President-elect Barack Obama and supporting Sen. John McCain. But Hagan said he should keep the post.

"We've gone through a rancorous campaign not only in North Carolina but across the country," she told Dome. "I am not here to divide people and parties, and I want to work across party lines. I think the worst thing to do would have been to kick somebody out of the caucus on the first day of business."

The caucus decided in a secret 42-13 vote to keep Lieberman in place but issue a statement condemning his remarks.

Hagan would not share any details about the discussion, which was held behind closed doors, but she did say it was "the most fascinating caucus" she's ever attended.