(The circus continues in Nebraska. – promoted by James L.)
Tony Raimondo is getting serious about entering the contest for the Republican nomination:
Raimondo, a Republican and the chairman of Behlen Manufacturing Inc. in Columbus, said Wednesday that he was working to assemble a campaign, including interviewing prospective campaign managers. He said he hoped to have everything in place by August.
He has not established an exploratory committee or started raising funds.
Raimondo reiterated that it was unlikely he would run against Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb..
Hagel has said he will decide on his political future later this year.
Raimondo, who was in Washington for meetings of the National Association of Manufacturers, said he believed that Hagel would pass on seeking re-election.
“That being the case, I will be running,” Raimondo said.
This is a significant development – a sign that Hagel’s being pushed out of the race. With former Omaha Mayor Hal Daub stating that he may run regardless of whether or not Hagel’s in the race, it’s becoming clear that the Republican field would rather not have Hagel in the race. Whether or not Hagel cares, it’s reflective of Nebraska Republicans’ attitude right now.
It seems likely, given the timeframes, that we’ll get Hagel’s final decision in the next two or three months – and shortly after that, a strong Democratic challenger will emerge.