Sen. Chuck Hagel will consider presidential race in 2008
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by don walton
Sen. Chuck Hagel says he may seek the presidency in 2008.
After months of national media speculation and cautious words from Hagel, he said it squarely Friday during an airplane interview above western Nebraska: "I will consider a race for the presidency."
Significantly, Hagel expects to make appearances at caucus meetings of the Iowa and New Hampshire delegations during the Republican National Convention in New York later this month.
"I've been invited to drop by and say hello," he said, "and I probably will."
Iowa and New Hampshire are the launching pads in the quadrennial quest for the presidency. Iowa hosts the first presidential caucus, New Hampshire the first presidential primary election.
Still, Hagel said, his appearances before Iowa and New Hampshire delegates "should not be interpreted as the beginning of a presidential campaign."
In fact, he said, no decision has been reached.
"I've not crossed that bridge," he said. "I'm not even on that bridge."
What lies ahead is a decision either to run for re-election to the Senate in 2008, seek the Republican presidential nomination or "get out of politics," Hagel said.
"I will consider all three options. It is too early to go beyond that."
The conclusion of Hagel's second six-year Senate term coincides with the 2008 presidential election, thus precluding any opportunity to remain in the Senate in the event of a failed presidential bid.
His candid assessment of his political future occurred on a flight from Grand Island to Scottsbluff during a daylong tour that began in Aurora.
"We're going to nominate a new Republican presidential candidate in 2008," Hagel said, no matter who wins this year's contest between President George W. Bush and Democratic challenger John Kerry. Bush is seeking his second, and final, term.
"I'd like to have some influence over who that is (and) in helping shape the Republican Party," Hagel said.
Still undetermined, he said, is "what America is going to want in a president in 2008, and whether I could fulfill those expectations as a candidate."
His first order of business, Hagel said, is to help Bush get re-elected.
"Let's get on the other side of this election and then see where we are."
In the meantime, Hagel said, he'll try to position himself as an influential voice.
"To have some influence in politics, you need to have relationships," he said, "and those are built upon reaching out."
Since Iowa and New Hampshire are key states in the political process, Hagel said, "you want to have some influence in those states, whether you are looking to be a candidate for president or not."
Visibility also is important, he said, and he'll continue to accept invitations to appear on national television news shows, including ABC-TV's "This Week With George Stephanopoulos" today.
"You get into politics because you want to accomplish things," Hagel said. "That means you have to have influence. Visibility in politics helps develop influence.
"And, sure, that certainly doesn't harm the possibilities of a national race."
If he decides to bid for the presidency, Hagel said, "I will have to make a decision well before 2008."
"I am not unmindful about what it takes to be a serious candidate. You can't just stroll onto the field and say, 'Here I am.'"
When the time comes, Hagel said, the decision ultimately will be private and personal: "Family will be the most important consideration."
Hagel, 57, and his wife, Lilibet, have two children. Their daughter, Allyn, is 13. Their son, Ziller, is 11.
The Senate remains an attractive option, Hagel said.
"I'm just as enthusiastic about being a U.S. senator today as I was when I was sworn in in 1997."
If Hagel decides to seek the presidency, he would be the third Nebraskan to embark on that quest.
Former Sen. Bob Kerrey sought the Democratic nomination in 1992.
William Jennings Bryan was the Democratic nominee for president in 1896, 1900 and 1908.
Earlier in the day, Hagel told 80 community leaders in Aurora he's not sure who will win this year's presidential election.
But, he said, he believes the race between Bush and Kerry will open up after a couple of debates and "one of them will win decisively" in the end.
Fielding questions, Hagel assured Aurora School Superintendent Larry Ramaekers he will seek changes in Bush's No Child Left Behind education reform bill because it "pushes aside all the innovative, creative work" of educators and policymakers at the local level.
"I think we're going to have to unwind it," he said.
Hamilton County Democratic Chairman Mike Alberts of Marquette praised Hagel after the meeting.
"While we may not agree on everything politically, he's always willing to talk to me," Alberts said. "What more can I ask? That's why I'm here."
Answering questions at a meeting with about 70 Principal Financial Group employees in Grand Island later in the morning, Hagel said he sees signs the Bush administration may have learned a difficult lesson in Iraq.
"They are reaching out to allies and the Congress more than they had," he said.
Hagel was an early voice warning against precipitate U.S. military action in Iraq without international support and preparation for the aftermath.
The administration "took our eye off the ball in Afghanistan" and has overextended the U.S. military, he told the insurance company employees.
Iran and North Korea were far more dangerous threats than Iraq, he said.
Speaking to an overflow crowd at a Grand Island Kiwanis Club luncheon, Hagel said the United States needs to work with its allies and regional leaders in resolving nuclear development concerns in Iran as it now is doing in North Korea.
"The military option in Iran is off the table," he said.
At mid-afternoon, Hagel stood in a sea of fluttering U.S. flags facing the bluffs overlooking Scottsbluff to thank veterans for their service.
The ceremony at the Western Nebraska Veterans Home was held in conjunction with the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans convention. Hagel is a Vietnam combat veteran twice wounded in the war.
Before thanking veterans for their service to the country, Hagel told local television interviewers that concerns expressed to him during the day about Iraq policy were legitimate.
"I don't think we planned well. I don't think we prepared well. I don't think we understood what we were getting into."
Nevertheless, he said in the airplane interview, he agrees with Bush on most domestic issues.
"When it comes to the role of government and the entirety of the record," Hagel said, "I am far closer to Bush than to Kerry."
Hagel is co-chairman of Bush's re-election campaign in Nebraska.
Reach Don Walton at 473-7248 or at dwalton@;journalstar.com.
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