What happens if Lieberman becomes president in September 2001?

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

My scenario:

Lieberman is elected on his own in 2004. He did not invade Iraq, it was Dubya obsession with Joe supported as Senator, but as President he'd be focused on Afghanistan, probably expanding the war there. In 2006 Democrats narrowly take the House but the GOP still maintains the Senate. The Democrats are f**ked big time in 2008, with the recession (less dramatic than OTL but nonetheless in place) and Vice President Edwards' (chosen by Lieberman to add "populist" credidentials) affair. McCain, having been too close to the Democratic President, fails at winning the GOP nomination, which instead goes to George Allen, who never make the macaca gaffe. The Republicans are unable to hold the newly-retaken House in 2010, due to worsening economic conditions, and Allen loses re-election to someone like Barack Obama or Russ Feingold, benefiting from both the economy as well as the Democrats being fed ip with the DLC stuff.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Ok I've been thinking this over.  What if Gore decided to go for OH Instead of FL, narrowly wins it, W. picked Pataki or Engle to broaden his base, campaigned hard in MI, IL, NY, NJ, and PA, narrowly loses all of them, but it's enough to win the popular vote?  He refuses to allow a recount to divide and weaken the country so concedes before recounts.  This makes him look like a graceful statesman to the people and he's generally well-liked.  He campaigns hard for the GOP in 02, 04, and 06.  Could he make a comeback in 08 in a President Gore/Lieberman TL?

Possibly.....who would be GOP nom in 2004? Pataki, Engle, or McCain?

I assume that by "Engle" you guys mean Engler, as in John Engler?

What about Governer of iOwa?