Kleeb expected to run for Senate, source says
Posted: Thursday, February 21, 2008
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- Democrat Scott Kleeb is expected to join the race for U.S. Senate next week, a source with knowledge of Kleeb's plans said Wednesday.
Kleeb, 32, would say only that he had made a decision and would have an announcement on Monday.
The source spoke on condition of anonymity because Kleeb hasn't made his announcement yet.
Kleeb would face Larry Marvin of Fremont and business executive Tony Raimondo of Columbus in the Democratic primary. Raimondo announced he would run earlier this month and will formally begin his campaign Monday in Columbus.
"We believe that Nebraskans deserve a choice, and that's why Tony's running," said Eric Fought, Raimondo's campaign manager. "We would not be discouraged by Scott's entrance."
Matt Connealy, executive director of the state Democratic Party, said many in the party have assumed Kleeb would enter the Senate race.
If Kleeb has decided to run, "I think it's great news," Connealy said. "I think he's got a tremendous following."
Kleeb lost the 3rd District House race last year to Republican Adrian Smith. But Kleeb surprised many in the state -- including Democrats -- by running a stronger-than-expected race. Kleeb finished with 45 percent of the vote in a district that's registered 59 percent Republican.
Kleeb was born in Adana, Turkey, where his parents taught the children of U.S. military personnel. He did his undergraduate work in history and political science at the University of Colorado and has a master's degree in international relations and a doctorate in history from Yale University.
He and his wife live in Hastings, and he teaches at Hastings College.
Two Republicans are running: former Nebraska governor Mike Johanns and Schuyler businessman Pat Flynn. Steve Larrick is the Green Party candidate.
Raimondo had considered running as a Republican but changed parties, saying the primary closed up when Johanns entered.
The Democratic Party in Nebraska has been accused of not coming up with strong candidates in the past, said Nebraska Public Service Commissioner Ann Boyle, former chairwoman of the party.
"If (Kleeb's) running and Tony Raimondo's running, nobody can argue that anymore," Boyle said.
Whoever wins the primary will come out with greater name recognition, said Steve Achelpohl, chairman of the state Democrats.
"This will give the party an outstanding opportunity to keep Mike Johanns where he belongs -- in the shadows," Achelpohl said.
Johanns has raised more than $1.5 million since entering the race in October, and campaign manager Chris Peterson said they've seen "great crowds and a great reception" everywhere the former agriculture secretary has visited.
"Whether the Democrats have a contested primary isn't going to change the Johanns campaign plan," Peterson said.
On the Net:
Raimondo campaign: http://www.raimondo2008.com
Mike Johanns for Senate: http://www.mikejohanns2008.com
Pat Flynn for Senate: http://www.patflynnforsenate.com
Scott Kleeb: http://www.scottkleeb.com
Kleeb, 32, would say only that he had made a decision and would have an announcement on Monday.
The source spoke on condition of anonymity because Kleeb hasn't made his announcement yet.
Kleeb would face Larry Marvin of Fremont and business executive Tony Raimondo of Columbus in the Democratic primary. Raimondo announced he would run earlier this month and will formally begin his campaign Monday in Columbus.
"We believe that Nebraskans deserve a choice, and that's why Tony's running," said Eric Fought, Raimondo's campaign manager. "We would not be discouraged by Scott's entrance."
Matt Connealy, executive director of the state Democratic Party, said many in the party have assumed Kleeb would enter the Senate race.
If Kleeb has decided to run, "I think it's great news," Connealy said. "I think he's got a tremendous following."
Kleeb lost the 3rd District House race last year to Republican Adrian Smith. But Kleeb surprised many in the state -- including Democrats -- by running a stronger-than-expected race. Kleeb finished with 45 percent of the vote in a district that's registered 59 percent Republican.
Kleeb was born in Adana, Turkey, where his parents taught the children of U.S. military personnel. He did his undergraduate work in history and political science at the University of Colorado and has a master's degree in international relations and a doctorate in history from Yale University.
He and his wife live in Hastings, and he teaches at Hastings College.
Two Republicans are running: former Nebraska governor Mike Johanns and Schuyler businessman Pat Flynn. Steve Larrick is the Green Party candidate.
Raimondo had considered running as a Republican but changed parties, saying the primary closed up when Johanns entered.
The Democratic Party in Nebraska has been accused of not coming up with strong candidates in the past, said Nebraska Public Service Commissioner Ann Boyle, former chairwoman of the party.
"If (Kleeb's) running and Tony Raimondo's running, nobody can argue that anymore," Boyle said.
Whoever wins the primary will come out with greater name recognition, said Steve Achelpohl, chairman of the state Democrats.
"This will give the party an outstanding opportunity to keep Mike Johanns where he belongs -- in the shadows," Achelpohl said.
Johanns has raised more than $1.5 million since entering the race in October, and campaign manager Chris Peterson said they've seen "great crowds and a great reception" everywhere the former agriculture secretary has visited.
"Whether the Democrats have a contested primary isn't going to change the Johanns campaign plan," Peterson said.
On the Net:
Raimondo campaign: http://www.raimondo2008.com
Mike Johanns for Senate: http://www.mikejohanns2008.com
Pat Flynn for Senate: http://www.patflynnforsenate.com
Scott Kleeb: http://www.scottkleeb.com
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