Hagel acknowledges limits to GOP loyalty (a bid as an independent?)

[Omaha Steve]

Free reg req: http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=1673&u_sid=2317509

Published Monday
January 22, 2007

Hagel acknowledges limits to GOP loyalty

BY JAKE THOMPSON

WORLD-HERALD BUREAU

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Hagel said Sunday that if he launches a campaign for the presidency in 2008 he would do so as a Republican. But the Nebraskan didn't completely rule out a bid as an independent.

Appearing on CBS's "Face the Nation," host Bob Schieffer Asked Hagel if he was considering running as an independent to underline his criticisms of the Bush administration's handling of Iraq. Last week, Hagel co-authored a nonbinding Senate resolution opposing President Bush's decision to add 21,500 U.S. troops to Iraq.

"I'm not a candidate," Hagel said. "I may be. I'll make that decision soon." Hagel said he has set a timetable of "the next couple of weeks."

If he launches a presidential bid, he said, his campaign would not be based solely on Iraq, although he said the war would play a large role in the 2008 presidential race and in shaping U.S. foreign policy.

FULL story at link.

[pstans]

1. I really hope he runs to push this issue in the Republican primary

Brownback is in and will push the far right agenda and Hagel will be pushing Iraq. That will leave the rest running back and forth try to please everyone and sound moderate at the same time.

[Strelnikov_]

2. Independent Is His Only Shot, As He Has No Chance Of Winning

the Reich primary. And the Reich candidate would never consider so outspoken a running mate.

And if both parties run uninspiring candidates, he has a real chance.

[Gman]

3. Independent or

Hillary's running mate? He'd be the anti-war piece Hillary doesn't have. He'd be a great attraction to the moderates. Hillary would walk away with at least 3/4 of the electoral votes.

[countmyvote4real]

5. Ewww.

"We the Corporations..."

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. wonder if he's looking into Unity 08,

which plans to run a ticket with a Dem and Rep on it.

[w4rma]

8. Is that the ticket with a Republican President and a powerless Democratic Vice President? (nt)

[UTUSN]

6. Well, O.K., but why do I like him more than JOEMENTUM?? n/t

[ninkasi]

7. It could be because

in my opinion, Joementum and Alberto Gonzales are in a fierce competition to win the title of "Smarmiest Suck up in Washington". It seems to be pretty even right now. At least Hagel isn't smarmy.

[TheDonkey]

9. was going to say positive words about Hagel but he's a rethug through and through

I'm glad he has some maverick type outbursts but his record is very conservative and there is a lot of bush rubber stamping.

[aquart]

11. Looks like he's DU's new McCain.

The latest Republican we slobber over.

[aquart]

10. This is Voting Machine Hagel?

Now why would people think he has no chance?

[Solly Mack]

12. GOP - George's Own Party. No getting away from it.

try as they might....they hafta wear it