Published 3/8/2007
Lee Terry is asked his prediction on Sen. Hagel's upcoming announcement.
BY JAKE THOMPSON
AND ROBYNN TYSVER
WORLD-HERALD BUREAU
WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Hagel ducked questions today about what he'll say next week in Omaha, where he's expected to address whether he will take steps toward joining the 2008 presidential race.
Hagel, R-Neb., 60, long interested in the 2008 race, stuck to discussing congressional business in his weekly telephone press conference with Nebraska reporters.
"I'll make an announcement on my political future Monday in Nebraska," was all Hagel would say.
Asked if he would stay in the Republican Party, he said he would be happy to address the issue Monday.
A question about who might join him on the podium also drew a similar response.
"I'll see you guys on Monday," he said. "I just don't have anything more to say."
Hagel, the most outspoken conservative critic of President Bush's handling of the Iraq war, plans a 10 a.m. press conference at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, his alma mater.
The two-term senator has a number of options. He could:
* Launch a presidential campaign.
* File paperwork for a presidential exploratory committee.
* Set up an exploratory committee without making a full commitment to a presidential bid.
* Take a step toward the race but delay a formal decision until later.
* Decide not to run.
Hagel also might discuss whether he will seek re-election to a third Senate term next year.
Hagel's decision has been much anticipated for months and could trigger moves by other Nebraska politicians.
"There's a lot of pent-up anxiety or frustration, depending on who you talk to," Rep. Lee Terry, R-Neb., said. "There will be a lot of relief with whatever he says."
Asked to predict Hagel's move, Terry said he had no idea.
"My crystal ball's really foggy," he said.
Several key Republicans, speaking on condition that they not be named, speculated that Hagel might defer making a final decision on a presidential run until September. In the meantime, he could leave open the possibility of seeking re-election.
Under that scenario, Hagel could see how the current presidential candidates fare before making his final decision.
That would be similar to what Newt Gingrich is doing. The former GOP House speaker from Georgia has said he will wait until fall to decide whether to run.
Hagel spokesman Mike Buttry declined to offer any details, saying the Monday event will be "a news conference regarding his future plans."