Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky

Los Angeles Democratic Rep. Howard Berman has reportedly won the support of two high-profile Republican senators and independent Joe Lieberman in his intramural showdown with Rep. Brad Sherman.

Politico reports that Sens. John McCain and Lindsay Graham plan to join Lieberman today in announcing their support for the longtime Democratic stalwart, who was forced into a political cage fight with Sherman after their districts were merged due to redistricting.

Normally it would be pretty unusual for Republicans to take sides with a Democrat in a high-profile race. And Berman might usually think twice about accepting endorsements from across the aisle.

But California this year implemented a new primary system, where the top two finishers in the June open primary advanced to the general election in November.

So after the Democratic finished 1-2 (with Sherman on top), they won the right to battle alone on the general election.

Although the San Fernando Valley district is heavily Democratic, that left both men vying for Republican and independent votes, especially since the election is expected to be close.

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