Published 2/11/2007
A discussion of possible Nebraska Senate candidates for the 2008 election.
BY ROBYNN TYSVER
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
Democrats aren't the only
ones mulling over the "what ifs" should U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel not
seek a third term. A bunch of Nebraska Republicans are waiting to see what
Hagel decides.
None of the would-be contenders, however, want to talk about a potential run
until Hagel makes up his mind. None, however, have ruled out a race.
The possible GOP field:
Hal Daub - The former Omaha mayor and former
congressman has said he is interested in running if Hagel gets out. A longtime
Republican figure, Daub has spent the past year making connections as the state
GOP's national committeeman.
Jon Bruning - Nebraska's attorney general has made no
secret of his desire to run. He's been touring the state as attorney general
and recently recruited a finance director who officially works on his attorney
general re-election committee. He is not up for re-election until 2010.
Mike Johanns - The former governor
and current U.S.
agriculture secretary had an 81 percent job approval rating before accepting a
Cabinet post in President Bush's administration. He would be an instant
front-runner if he jumped in.
Kermit Brashear - The former
speaker of the Legislature may not be widely known in all of Nebraska,
but the Omaha
lawmaker could be a dark horse to watch if he were to run.
Lee Terry - Omaha's congressman, who recently won a fifth
term, has not ruled out a Senate
try. The question would be whether he gives up a relatively safe seat in the
House.
Jeff Fortenberry - Lincoln's congressman
recently won a second term. He, too, would
be risking his relatively safe seat to seek higher office.
Pete Ricketts - The Omaha businessman who lost
in a landslide to Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson in 2006 is keeping his options
open. Would Republicans give him another chance?
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