(From the diaries – promoted by James L.)
A few miscellaneous notes to pass along from the last week.
Mike Fahey has a 54% favorability rating in the Nebraska Democratic Party’s poll released last week. The New Nebraska Network sees this as a positive sign, since Fahey is not a statewide officeholder, and suggests he may be able to bridge the gap between Omaha and the rest of the state.
Rep. Adrian Smith (NE-03) might just be a Jon Bruning supporter. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that Smith’s name is not included among the hosts of Hagel’s big upcoming fundraiser. He is one of only two Republican elected officials (besides Bruning) who is not listed as a host.
I’ve been walking back from my earlier statements that Bob Kerrey wouldn’t run, because it seems like a very real possibility now. Kerrey will headline the state party’s annual fundraising dinner on June 23rd in Omaha.
Meanwhile, Behlen Manufacturing chairman Tony Raimondo announced that he would seek the Republican nomination should Chuck Hagel decide against seeking reelection.
And former Omaha Mayor Hal Daub is planning on announcing Tuesday that he will be running for Senate should Hagel not run.
Now, all of this movement in the last couple of weeks, and still, Hagel’s got a big fundraiser planned for next weekend, with the Senate’s top Republican planning to attend. Where does that leave us? Just as puzzled as ever. I was ready to call Hagel as in the race three weeks ago – and I am convinced right now that was a premature judgment.
Stay tuned – things are getting interesting.
Dislike Bob Kerrey, what with all his “pain caucus” bullshit with John Breaux. And that crap with floating his name for a day to run for mayor of NYC? What a joke. I think he would drive us absolutely nuts if he somehow got back into the Senate.
I really liked him and supported him when he ran in 92. He was a little annoying when Clinton first got elected, but he’s an incredibly bright guy.
I want to like Bob Kerrey, and I support him for acknowledging that “good guys” get put in situations where they do things that probably violate the law of armed conflict.
However, Kerrey did make himself a pain-in-the-ass to Clinton over the budget. And history has certainly vindicated Clinton on that budget.
My best case scenario for Kerrey running is that he engages the netroots. I’d like to see Kerrey update his thinking on some issues and step away from the symbolic centrism and conservatism that is non-productive.
But it would be cool to swipe a Senate seat from the GOP in Nebraska. A strong presidential ticket and Kerrey could put Scott Kleeb over the top too.