Retiring Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) has been meeting with the top-tier Republicans hoping to fill his Senate seat, according to a New York Times report.

During the past few months, Lieberman has met with former World Wrestling Entertainment CEO Linda McMahon, a failed 2010 Senate nominee, and former Rep. Christopher Shays. He made positive statements about both after the meetings, the Times reported.

Since he lost the 2006 Democratic primary, Lieberman has created much consternation among many in the party. Among the complaints liberals have about Lieberman are his 2007 endorsement of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) for the presidency, speaking at the Republican National Convention, helping then-Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin train for her vice presidential debate and his threat to filibuster a public option in the health care reform debate.

Rep. Christopher Murphy, one of the Democrats hoping to win Lieberman’s seat, told the Times, “I’m not sure his support is relevant.”