Kerrey says Senate decision likely coming next week
Posted: Friday, September 28, 2007
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- Bob Kerrey isn't planning to pull a Chuck Hagel -- but he's still not saying what his future holds.
Kerrey was calling supporters and reporters Thursday promising a clear decision soon on whether he will seek the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.
Hagel, a Republican, called a news conference in March promising to discuss his political future. But when everyone gathered, Hagel announced that he'd announce his decision later.
Kerrey said it will likely be next week before Nebraskans find out whether he plans to enter the race for the Hagel's seat, which the Republican announced Sept. 10 he will vacate.
"When I started, it was a pretty strong 'no,"' Kerrey said Thursday. "It's still 'no.' I might get from 'no' to 'yes', and soon, or I'm going to stay here."
Kerrey also was outlining what he could do for Nebraskans if they were to elect him -- namely, working with Senate leaders to bring money and attention to the state.
Kerrey promised not to leave Nebraskans hanging too long for his decision, but he's still not ready to make an announcement. And he said that if he does decide to run, he'll come to Nebraska to make his plans known.
"I know the race would be tough," Kerrey said. "I know there's a possibility I would lose."
Three Republicans already are running: Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning, former Nebraska Congressman Hal Daub and Schuyler businessman Pat Flynn. Former Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns resigned as U.S. agriculture secretary last week and is expected to announce his candidacy for the Senate seat within a week or so.
"The idea of campaigning against Mike is exciting as well," said Kerrey, who said they have been friends for 25 years.
Kerrey said the two have similar values, but their experiences have brought them to different conclusions.
If Johanns wins the primary, voters wouldn't see personal animosity between the two, Kerrey said.
Kerrey came to Nebraska last weekend with his wife, Sarah, "so she can begin to see why I'm thinking about coming to Nebraska and running for Senate."
But Kerrey repeated worries Thursday about moving his 6-year-old son to Nebraska, then Washington, if Kerrey were to win.
Kerrey has been president of New School University in New York since 2001. In 1998, he surprised many when he decided not to run for president after being a candidate in 1992. Then he stunned supporters again in 2000 when did not seek a third term in the Senate.
Kerrey was calling supporters and reporters Thursday promising a clear decision soon on whether he will seek the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.
Hagel, a Republican, called a news conference in March promising to discuss his political future. But when everyone gathered, Hagel announced that he'd announce his decision later.
Kerrey said it will likely be next week before Nebraskans find out whether he plans to enter the race for the Hagel's seat, which the Republican announced Sept. 10 he will vacate.
"When I started, it was a pretty strong 'no,"' Kerrey said Thursday. "It's still 'no.' I might get from 'no' to 'yes', and soon, or I'm going to stay here."
Kerrey also was outlining what he could do for Nebraskans if they were to elect him -- namely, working with Senate leaders to bring money and attention to the state.
Kerrey promised not to leave Nebraskans hanging too long for his decision, but he's still not ready to make an announcement. And he said that if he does decide to run, he'll come to Nebraska to make his plans known.
"I know the race would be tough," Kerrey said. "I know there's a possibility I would lose."
Three Republicans already are running: Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning, former Nebraska Congressman Hal Daub and Schuyler businessman Pat Flynn. Former Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns resigned as U.S. agriculture secretary last week and is expected to announce his candidacy for the Senate seat within a week or so.
"The idea of campaigning against Mike is exciting as well," said Kerrey, who said they have been friends for 25 years.
Kerrey said the two have similar values, but their experiences have brought them to different conclusions.
If Johanns wins the primary, voters wouldn't see personal animosity between the two, Kerrey said.
Kerrey came to Nebraska last weekend with his wife, Sarah, "so she can begin to see why I'm thinking about coming to Nebraska and running for Senate."
But Kerrey repeated worries Thursday about moving his 6-year-old son to Nebraska, then Washington, if Kerrey were to win.
Kerrey has been president of New School University in New York since 2001. In 1998, he surprised many when he decided not to run for president after being a candidate in 1992. Then he stunned supporters again in 2000 when did not seek a third term in the Senate.
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