NE-Sen: A Kleeb vs. Raimondo Primary is a Good Thing

In the opinion of Quinn McCord at the National Journal, a primary between candidates Scott Kleeb and Tony Raimondo will actually bring about more positive than negative results for the eventual nominee. McCord argues that, because both candidates are relatively unknown statewide, a primary will increase exposure for the eventual nominee. So, I'm curious: does the readership here at SSP concur with McCord, or do you think a primary will ultimately bruise the eventual nominee, rendering him weaker against Mike Johanns?

NE-Sen: Raimondo “Urged” To Run, By State, National Democrats

As the New Nebraska Network first reported last Monday, Republican Tony Raimondo is considering running for Senate as a Democrat. In today’s Lincoln Journal Star, he openly considered the possibility in an interview with Don Walton.


Columbus industrialist Tony Raimondo said Monday he’s considering entering the 2008 Senate race as a Democrat.

Raimondo, who stepped away from a possible Republican bid after Mike Johanns entered the contest, said he’s been urged by national and state Democratic officials to consider making the race within their party.

“Those discussions are continuing to move on,” Raimondo said.  “Obviously, there’s some interest on both sides.”

Raimondo, you may recall, was Bush’s pick back in 2004 for “manufacturing czar,” but his nomination was withdrawn after questions about his anti-labor practices as chairman of Behlen Manufacturing.

Straight from Raimondo, now, we have confirmation that the rumors we were hearing a week ago were true. Ben Nelson, the NDP, and the DSCC, are recruiting a Republican, who less than two months ago was running for Senate as a Republican, to run under the Democratic banner.

If we’re serious about competing everywhere – in all fifty states – we cannot allow this to stand. The Democratic Party in Nebraska will become worse than a joke. Let’s make sure we have a voice for Democrats in Nebraska. Let’s get Scott Kleeb in this race.

On the web: Draft Kleeb