Bummer: Kerrey not going to run for Hagel's seat.

[Perky]

Kerrey not running for Nebraska Senate seat

From Poliitco


Senate Republicans dodged a major bullet today, as popular former Democratic Sen. Bob Kerrey has decided not to run for the Senate seat of retiring Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.)

In a statement released today, Kerrey said he will remain as president of the New School.

“I have decided I will not leave The New School to become a candidate for the United States Senate in Nebraska,” Kerrey said in a statement. “The reason is simple enough: For my family and me now is not the time for me to re-enter politics as a candidate.”

Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairman Chuck Schumer met with Kerrey last month to persuade him to enter the race. His entrance in the race would have given Democrats a serious chance at winning the Senate seat in Nebraska, one of the most conservative states in the country.

Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey is now considered the party’s leading candidate. But without the name identification and sizable fundraising network, he would have a more difficult time winning in such a Republican state.

Republicans are facing a primary between former Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and state Attorney General Jon Bruning. Bruning ended the third quarter with $782,000 cash-on-hand; Johanns entered the race after the fundraising deadline.

[William769]

1. I wished he would, but I certainly understand if he doesn't..

:(

[ShortnFiery]

2. Just to add to the mix, this topic was also "hashed out" in General Discussion earlier today.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2125600

[TwilightZone]

3. Disappointing.

It was shaping up to be a very interesting race. Bush political appointee against very popular NE Democrat.

[movonne]

4. I'm not sure it is a bad thing...I find that Kerrey a little too much

dem-repug...I hope we could get a good progressive to run...I know it is a repug state but what good is it putting in someone that will vote against what we want...we seems to me we have enough of that right now...

[springhill]

5. I think it's a good thing...........

He is a war cheerleader, something we definitely don't need.

[TwilightZone]

6. Johanns is a Bush political appointee.

Do you really think he'd be better? He's pretty much what NE will end up with now that Kerrey isn't running.

For a Nebraska politician, Kerrey was actually pretty liberal, and certainly as liberal as Nebraska is about to elect anytime soon. One issue does not a Republican make.