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Kerrey, Johanns stir follows Hagel's exit

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By BY DON WALTON / Lincoln Journal Star

Monday, Sep 10, 2007 - 07:34:02 pm CDT

OMAHA — It didn’t take long.

Sen. Chuck Hagel formally announced Monday he’ll not seek re-election and within two hours came strong signals Bob Kerrey and Mike Johanns are preparing to enter the 2008 Senate race.

During a phone news conference from Taiwan, Gov. Dave Heineman said he “fully expect(s)” Johanns to seek the Republican nomination to succeed Hagel.”

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U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb.

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U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel tells a press conference at the Omaha Press Club that he will not seek any elected office in 2008. (Don Walton / JournalStar.com...

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Former U.S. Sen. Bob Kerrey:“(Sen. Hagel’s) leadership on a variety of issues will be sorely missed. He has served his country with honor and distinction, and I wish my good friend the very best. ... This is a day to honor Chuck Hagel and his service. Any discussion of my political future will have to wait for another day.”



U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns tells USDA’s Radio Newsline: “I was sad to see Chuck Hagel decide not to run. He’s a good friend of mine. ... I was proud to endorse him 12 years ago when he ran for the Senate and I wish him and his family the very, very best.”



U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb.: “It’s an honor and a privilege to serve your nation, especially representing the citizens of Nebraska. The opportunity to serve in the United States Senate is something that many seek but few achieve. I congratulate Chuck Hagel for his service and successes, and wish him and his family well in the future.”



Schuyler businessman Pat Flynn, who has already announced his Republican candidacy to replace Hagel: “Senator Hagel should be commended for his two terms as a United States senator. His service to Nebraska and the American people shows a commitment that he can be proud of.”

Former Omaha Mayor and U.S. Rep. Hal Daub, a Republican who is considering a run for Hagel’s seat: “I will have more to say about my intentions at another time. The focus today should be on Chuck Hagel.

“I have admired Sen. Hagel as a leading voice in the Senate. His service to Nebraska and our nation is undeniable.

“Though there were times Senator Hagel and I had differences of opinion on public policy, I do understand the factors that must be taken into account when considering a decision of this magnitude. I believe that, in his heart, Chuck Hagel feels he has made the right decision. I wish him and his family the best.”



Nebraska Democratic Party chairman Steve Achelpohl:“Senator Chuck Hagel and I disagreed on many issues over the years. Regardless, he has served this state and this nation with dignity and a moral purpose. I wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”



U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb.: “Chuck Hagel always did what he thought was best for Nebraska and our nation. He is a true leader, a welcomed voice of reason and good counsel. He’s a dedicated patriot whose courageous service in Vietnam and the U.S. Senate sets an example for us all.

“I am honored to serve in Congress with Senator Hagel, and I am grateful to have him as a friend. I wish him and Lilibet Godspeed.”



U.S. Sen. Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky: “Chuck Hagel is one of the few genuine foreign policy experts in the Senate and an independent, serious voice on many of the most challenging issues we face. He is a patriot who proved his dedication on the battlefield, a skilled entrepreneur, a dedicated father, husband, and friend -- a man who has served his country and the people of Nebraska as a solid conservative. ... He will be missed.”

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer of New York, chairman the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee: “Today is Chuck Hagel’s day. He has done a superb job for his state and his country, and we will miss him.”

U.S. Rep. Lee Terry, R-Neb.: “Senator Hagel deserves our thanks for his many years of service to our nation -- as a soldier, government official and as our U.S. senator from Nebraska.

“As a distinguished member of the U.S. Senate, he is respected and admired for his strongly held and outspoken views. I especially appreciated his thoughtful and insightful opinions about global issues -- U.S. policy in the Middle East, the environment and energy policy.

“On a personal note, I appreciated Chuck’s friendship and political counsel and advice over the years. He always had his finger on the pulse of the Nebraska political scene.”

Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning, a Republican who has announced his intention to run for Hagel’s seat: “Senator Hagel deserves the gratitude of all Nebraskans for his service to this state and this country. ... He’s always stood up for what he believes is right, and I wish him well.”

Gov. Dave Heineman, a fellow Republican: “I respect (Hagel’s) service to our state and our country.”

National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman John Ensign, R-Neb.: “Chuck Hagel has been a tireless advocate for the people of Nebraska, and we wish him well.”

U.S. Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb.: “Senator Chuck Hagel is a friend and mentor. He is a man of great courage, driven by conviction and purpose. His extensive service to our state and nation commands the respect of all Americans.”

Business executive Tony Raimondo, a possible Republican candidate: “We owe Senator Hagel a large debt of gratitude and appreciation for the hard work he has performed on behalf of our great state. His honesty and forthrightness, even when we disagreed with it, has been intellectual in a business where that type of truthfulness is not always welcome. ...

“Over the next few weeks, I will continue to discuss with family, friends and colleagues my visions of the future of Nebraska and the U.S. I will also survey the other candidates to evaluate their visions, and if I believe that the entire field of both parties is void of the vision key to Nebraska economic security, I will enter the race for this Senate seat.”

“I assume he will make some announcement in the next few days (or) within the next week,” the governor said.

Heineman served as Johanns’ lieutenant governor and succeeded him when Johanns resigned in 2005 to become U.S. ag secretary.

“Let me just say I know Mike Johanns very well,” the governor said.

Johanns spokeswoman Terri Teuber said he would have nothing to say at this time.

The ag secretary will be in Nebraska this week for appearances in Omaha, Grand Island and Lincoln.

Kerrey praised Hagel’s Senate service in a news release that listed Paul Johnson, his former Senate campaign manager, as a contact.

The Democratic consultant led Sen. Ben Nelson’s successful 2006 re-election campaign and almost certainly would manage a 2008 Kerrey bid.

“Any discussion of my political future will have to wait for another day,” said Kerrey, who represented Nebraska in the Senate from 1989 to 2001.

Kerrey has informed trustees he may leave the presidency of New School University in New York to return to Nebraska and seek the Senate seat.

Although eyes already were wandering toward Johanns, Kerrey and other current or prospective Senate contenders, Monday’s spotlight rested on Hagel.

“I will not seek a third term in the United States Senate, nor do I intend to be a candidate for any office in 2008,” he told a news conference at the Omaha Press Club.

Hagel’s declaration was accompanied by a comic exclamation mark when a framed cartoon depiction of him fell from the wall behind him.

“That’s not a good sign,” Hagel said with a laugh. “I would have preferred to have someone else tumble down.”

Hagel said his accompanying decision not to pursue the 2008 Republican presidential nomination was prompted by a number of factors, including his Senate responsibilities and family considerations.

“To run for president,” he said, “I’d essentially (be required to) walk away from my Senate obligations.”

With his wife, Lilibet, and their two children at his side, Hagel noted that daughter Allyn, 16, and son Ziller, 14, are in high school now.

“These are important times,” he said.

Hagel refused to elaborate on whether his declared intention not to seek any office in 2008 ruled out any participation in an independent national movement or consideration of a vice presidential bid.

“I’m not going to get into speculation or hypotheticals,” he said.

Hagel offered no clue what he may decide to do when his Senate term concludes at the end of next year.

“I’ll try to find gainful employment,” he said.

In any event, Hagel said, he plans to remain active in public policy.

“Public service has always been a big part of my life, and I hope to have another opportunity to serve my country in some new capacity down the road,” he said.

Hagel, the leading Republican critic of President Bush’s policies in Iraq, said he intends to remain “very engaged” in the continuing national debate on the war.

After the news conference, he and his family left Omaha to return to Washington for Monday's appearance before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee by Gen. David Petraeus, the U.S. commander in Iraq, and U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker.

Hagel said he will “be purposeful and work hard” during the final 16 months of his term, serving with the same intensity he has devoted to the job over the past 11 years.

“I am confident I could have won re-election,” Hagel said.

Nebraska’s GOP faces a challenge in retaining an open seat, he said.

“I don’t know how anyone can say it’s a safe Republican seat,” Hagel said, in view of recent Nebraska political history. Democrats have won nine of the past 11 Senate races here.

Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy was among a number of Republican officials and party leaders who attended the event.

Also on hand was Jordan McGrain, campaign manager for Attorney General Jon Bruning, a Hagel critic who entered the GOP race before the senator announced his intentions.

Bruning issued a statement praising Hagel as “an honorable man, one who is true to his convictions (and) always did what he thought was right.”

Reach Don Walton at 473-7248 or at dwalton@journalstar.com.


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Doc wrote on September 10, 2007 11:03 am:
" Bad news on Sept. 11th, great news on Sept. 10th. Will they be dancing in the streets in Duncan, Platte Center and Monroe? "

 Arch Kearney wrote on September 10, 2007 11:40 am:
" Nice scoop last Friday, Don Walton. Appears you beat everyone to the punch on pinning down the announcement. "

 Chris wrote on September 10, 2007 11:46 am:
" Its nice to see Sen. Hagel live up to his promise to the voters in Nebraska. I have long been critical of Hagel for his views on Iraq, as I felt while he is entitled to his opinion, his views seemed more hinged on getting media attention and less on substance and understanding of the difficult and deteriorating situation there. That said, as a Republican, I'm definitely willing to support former Sen. Kerrey, if he choses to run. Kerrey I think will bring an understanding to national security issues, that Hagel did not. "

 rac wrote on September 10, 2007 11:59 am:
" If Kerry ran, Republicans would need Johanns to run to keep it close, otherwise Kerry would run away with it. I'm not thrilled with Johanns, but would rather keep the seat Republican "

 Lorraine wrote on September 10, 2007 12:16 pm:
" This is terribly disappointing. It was refreshing and promising to have at least one senator who performed as a contemplative, thinking man and not just another talking head for the Republican Party. He will be missed by many. He and his whole staff acted with integrity and honor and it was an extraordinary experience to work with them. With deep gratitude and best wishes for more great endeavors, Senator Hagel. We're proud of you! "

 Sean1 wrote on September 10, 2007 1:06 pm:
" Good riddance. "

 RJ wrote on September 10, 2007 1:07 pm:
" Any chance of finding someone to run that isn't a yes person for the GOP? Someone that is working for the people be he or she Republican or Democrate? It is nice to dream,cause that is about all it is,a dream. "

 Matt wrote on September 10, 2007 1:13 pm:
" Are you serious?? Hagel not understanding of national security issues?? He, by anyone in the senate, is one of the experts in the area. Do you think someone like Bruning can even remotely contend with Hagel on that issue? Basically, you don't like the answer Hagel is giving you, so he is, thus, inadequate in security issues. You have it backwards! The current administration is inadequate in security issues. Hagel was trying to get people to listen BEFORE we went to Iraq and everything he said would happen did...yet he is the novice. Please! The senate and Nebraska just lost one of the best. "

 Terry wrote on September 10, 2007 2:07 pm:
" Does this mean that I have to vote for Bruning, just to get rid of him as Attorney General? "

 Texas_Eskie_Rescue wrote on September 10, 2007 2:55 pm:
" I am very sorry that Senator Hagel has chosen not to become a candidate for president in 2008. RARELY, do we see a person with such conviction and integrity in politics, or in any walk of life. RARELY, do we see anyone in public service who displays just common sense! I still believe that Senator Hagel is America's best hope for honesty, responsibility and decency in the White House. I, too, wish he would reconsider! This is a serious loss for America and the world and surely, for the state of Nebraska. "

 Need2Know wrote on September 10, 2007 3:40 pm:
" Didn't any of you Hagel haters watch the GOP debate last week. Every single candidate was critical of the war handling. Saying pretty much what Hagel has been saying. "

 Chris wrote on September 10, 2007 3:42 pm:
" You need to ask yourself if Sen. Hagel has really pushed the national dialog on Iraq forward. I think you'll find he brought a lot of attention to himself, but did not move debate forward by being bogged down in saying whether or not Iraq was and is in a Civil War. If you know anything about the history of Iraq, you know that Iraq essentially has always been in a Civil War. So thinking your bold in saying Iraq is in a Civil War is just like a school boy scoring brownie points with his teacher. Sadly most voices that comment on the war in the media, either or pro or con, seem to have little understanding of the history of Iraq. Hagel was no exception to this. Lastly I don't think I endorsed Mr. Bruning in my post. I actually endorsed former Sen. Kerrey. "

 KEELIE wrote on September 10, 2007 4:10 pm:
" I am sorry to see Chuck step down, but understand his reasoning. Good luck to you and your family. "

 airedale wrote on September 10, 2007 4:38 pm:
" Hagel is the only man of the two major parties that I respect. I would like to see him run as an independant for either the Presidency or this Senate campaign. I am really disappointed that he has chosen to leave public office but I wish him all the best. "

 YESSSSSS! wrote on September 10, 2007 4:45 pm:
" Don't let the door slap your behind too hard on the way out Chuck. I'm still angry I voted for this "freedom hater" twice! Those who are suggesting Bob would be okay, he was here once and we weren't good enough for him to stay, let's do better than a rerun with Bob. Let's at least give someone new and different a chance, listen to campaigns, question those who run and HOPEFULLY we can do better than "rerun Bob." Hillary runs to New York and Bob runs from New York. "

 Ne Gal wrote on September 10, 2007 5:13 pm:
" Bruning issued a statement praising Hagel as “an honorable man, one who is true to his convictions (and) always did what he thought was right.” So is this the same JON BRUNING who slammed HAGEL when he declared for the Senate Race. Looks to me like Jon's has started pandering for votes!!!! "

 steve wrote on September 10, 2007 5:53 pm:
" I'm a republican but you sure need to have debate. Hagel was a good/solid senator. Didn't always agree with him, but for some reason I believe he had a lot more information than is available to me. Great respect for the man. "

 Nina wrote on September 10, 2007 6:28 pm:
" Whoa, at first glance I thought the headline said, 'Kerrey & Johanns follow Hagel's exit,' and I thought we'd have some new candidates up for vote. Then I slowed down, read it again and thought, well, at least between Kerrey and Johanns we should still be able to do better than we could with the other contenders. Hagel leaves might big shoes to fill; he's an admirable man who has my thorough respect. "

 Jason wrote on September 10, 2007 7:10 pm:
" This state does not deserve Chuck Hagel, he's too good of a man. Oh well....another good person gone. Chuck, go somewhere where you will be appreciated. "

 Bye wrote on September 10, 2007 7:17 pm:
" Take your bag of carpet and go home. "

 Freethinker wrote on September 10, 2007 8:11 pm:
" I always disliked him until he was practically the only Nebraskan that actually dared to have a question or two about the Iraq war. It was eye-opening to see a NE republican actually question the morality and intelligence of his own party rather than blindly following while parading the flag with pseudo-patriotism. I never liked your politics, Chuck, but kudos on the nice set of kahonis. You've earned my respect for using what God put between your ears. "

 Joe wrote on September 10, 2007 8:28 pm:
" I'll vote for anyone besides that self-serving egomaniac. Oh, wait that eliminates Bruning, Daub, and Kerrey. "

 whatever wrote on September 10, 2007 9:11 pm:
" Keep in mind some of you carpetbagger haters that Kay Orr, Virginia Smith, Jeff Fortenberry, Mike Johanns to name a few were/are CARPETBAGGERS. The good news here is that you can be assured Bruning's political career is over, that is unless he drops out of Senate race. If Kerrey runs he wins, hands down. Bruning won't make it past the primary, Daub might beat Johanns. Johanns will be bloodied with his association with the Bush Administration. Kerrey gets at least 85 to 90 percent of the Democrat and Independent vote at LEAST 45 percent of the Republican vote. Remember this Senate seat Hagel is vacating is traditionally a Democrat Senate Seat. In fact most of the last 35 years the Democrats have held Nebraska Senate seats. If the Republican Party is banking on closet left leaners like Bruning and Neocon Bushbot traitors like Johanns as the future, well they will have a very RUDE awakening coming their way. I would guess the Republicans will lose at least 6 Senate seats in the next election, maybe as many as 10. And only the Neocon traitors can put themselves in a position where a person with high negatives like Clinton actually has a shot at winning the election for president. Something unthinkable as little as 8 months ago. Way to go Republican Party leadership! "

 steve wrote on September 10, 2007 9:55 pm:
" Whatever, is exactly right. The GOP party is the main problem, Kerry will win if he runs, hands down. The GOP needs to know that this and most republicans in this state aren't blind folowers. You county party chairs better really stay on the phone. "

 UConn Hoops wrote on September 10, 2007 10:01 pm:
" You people in Nebraska don't know how lucky your are/were to have a man as capable and as intelligent as Sen. Hagel. This man is a true American hero and patriot and I want to wish him only the best. I also want to thank him for restoring my faith in the American political process and in the Republican party. God bless. "

 Frank wrote on September 10, 2007 11:34 pm:
" Why would Nebraskans pass up a proven leader in Kerrey for a preening weathervane like Bruning or a yesman like Johanns? Daub's got the mover-and-shaker thing going for him, except for the fact that he moves and shakes to a different drummer. Daub could easily unseat Lee Terry if he ran against him but not a guy like Kerrey. Call him a carpetbagger if you will, but ol' Cosmic Bob would represent the interests of Nebraska and, more importantly, the country well. Oh, and for all you one-issue pro-life voters, what have the Republicans done for you lately? Let's keep Nebraska's strong centrist legacy alive and keep our place at the table with a highly respected individual in born and raised Nebraskan Bob Kerrey. "

 JB wrote on September 11, 2007 8:21 am:
" Anybody but a no mind, Bush man, right winger like Bruning. "

 Hagel wrote on September 11, 2007 1:13 pm:
" Hagel is a needed voice in the senate that does not always follow party or popuar lines, but now that he is stepping away, we can look to new Nebraska representatives who have proven something here in this state. For this, we must look to Omaha and its tremendous leadership in the last 10-15 years under Mike Fahey and Hal Daub. "

 jb wrote on September 11, 2007 2:56 pm:
" Hagel was one Republican that had his OWN mind. Nebraska will miss him. "

 JB wrote on September 11, 2007 2:59 pm:
" The Bush Republicans will pour money to reactionary Bruning and still lose to the Demo. Go Kleeb. "

 Mike wrote on September 11, 2007 3:32 pm:
" Kerry has been away from nebraska for so long his once, semi-sensibility is sure to be stuffed with east-coast beltway garbage he is in no condition to represent nebraska. "

 No More Dead GIs wrote on September 11, 2007 10:01 pm:
" Democrats who vote like Republicans... Republicans that talk like Democrats... man is this one messed up state. "

 Herb wrote on September 12, 2007 11:22 am:
" Hagel shot himself in the foot in this state by talking the truth about Iraq. He would lose the Senate. It would make little sense to run for President as he is a relative unknown outside Nebraska and there just aren't that many bucks to raise here in this state alone for an awareness campaign. Kerry sounds like a has-been politician what with the pro Bush crap. Bruning is bogus. I would not vote for any of the potentials so far. "

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