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Johanns will enter Senate race

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By DON WALTON / Lincoln Journal Star

Wednesday, Sep 19, 2007 - 12:59:19 am CDT

Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns has decided to resign from President Bush’s cabinet to return to Nebraska and enter the 2008 Senate race.

Johanns, the former two-term Republican governor, began placing phone calls to a number of friends and supporters in the state Tuesday night to inform them of his decision.

A formal announcement is expected in Nebraska next week after Johanns has submitted his resignation to the White House, according to a source close to Johanns.

Story Photo
Mike Johanns

Johanns and his wife, Stephanie, went house-hunting over the weekend when he was in Lincoln to attend a Saturday event at which he was honored by the Nebraska Republican Party.

The final decision to seek the GOP nomination for the seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel was nailed down during the last 24 hours.

Johanns is “very excited, very pumped up,” according to the source.

The decision will be enthusiastically welcomed by a number of leading Republicans who urged Johanns to enter the race.

Former GOP State Chairman David Kramer of Omaha has been among those who were outspoken in promoting Johanns as the party’s strongest possible candidate in a potential contest with former Democratic Sen. Bob Kerrey.

Kerrey, who represented Nebraska in the Senate for two terms from 1989 to 2001 and served one term as governor, is actively considering a 2008 Senate bid.

The prospect of a Johanns-Kerrey clash has been touted by the national media and political pundits as one of the premier Senate showdowns in 2008.

Both men are nationally prominent and have enjoyed unbroken political success in Nebraska. Kerrey was a Democratic presidential candidate in 1992 and Johanns has served in President Bush’s cabinet since 2005.

With Hagel leaving the Senate, a Republican seat in Nebraska will be open and at risk.

Kerrey already has informed trustees at New School University in New York City that he may resign as president to return to Nebraska to enter the Senate race. He’s led the university since 2001.

A decision from Kerrey is expected soon.

Although Johanns has headed the list of potential Republican Senate candidates, two high-profile names already are in the race.

Attorney General Jon Bruning declared his candidacy long before Hagel announced last week that he would not seek a third term.

Former Omaha Mayor Hal Daub, a former four-term congressman, formally entered the GOP race this week.

Columbus industrialist Tony Raimondo is considering a Republican bid and Schuyler businessman Pat Flynn has entered the race.

Johanns, 57, served as Lincoln mayor from 1991 to 1998, when he was elected governor. He won re-election to a second term in 2002.

Republican leaders, including Hagel, previously urged Johanns to seek the Senate seat held by Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson in the 2006 election.

But Johanns opted instead to accept the president’s nomination as secretary of agriculture. He resigned as governor in 2005 to fill the Cabinet post.

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


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airedale wrote on September 19, 2007 2:20 am:
" Say goodbye to Jon Bruning's chances in this campaign. "

 Yeah! wrote on September 19, 2007 3:33 am:
" Finally somebody I can vote for. Best of Luck Mike!! "

 whatever wrote on September 19, 2007 5:09 am:
" Leaving the sinking ship already? "

 Okie wrote on September 19, 2007 5:12 am:
" Another politician using a small, rural state as a stepping stone. "

 Matt wrote on September 19, 2007 5:35 am:
" Wow, Kerry v. Johanns, should be a good race. "

 Thank goodness wrote on September 19, 2007 5:57 am:
" Whew!!! i thought there might have been a chance that bruning could have ended up as our US Senator. Now the chances are much better that this sort of political disastor won't happen. This is great news Nebraska! "

 no more dream joB? wrote on September 19, 2007 7:30 am:
" I thought when Hr Johanns got his Ag Secertary Job it was the dream job he always wanted. Now he is going to quit and start his bid for a senate seat. I wish he wound just stay in Washington, He was a terrible Mayor and Govenor and will make a Terrible Senator.He never did do anything good while he was Ag Seceratry also. He is worthloss. We need somebody who is going to do something while he is their and have a Brain and NOT a Rubber stamp like Hagel. "

 JJ wrote on September 19, 2007 7:37 am:
" How could Johanns leave in the middle of the debate on the farmbill? He should have stayed and finished the job rather than feed his political ambitions. He did the same as governor. He always seems to be looking for a higher office rather than staying and finishing the job. I hope Hal Daub and Jon Bruning challenge Johanns on this during the campaign. "

 Wm. Morris wrote on September 19, 2007 7:39 am:
" Too bad, the man you was going to serve out his term in the administration waffles. Considering the mess he made of the behavioral health system before he bailed to DC makes me think he should in DC. Where are all the "carpet bagger" comments for this guy??? Hagel, reconsider!!! "

 J wrote on September 19, 2007 8:05 am:
" Great, the Iowa carpetbagger returns. "

 jo wrote on September 19, 2007 8:36 am:
" bruning will be crying himself to sleep tonight. "

 Prescient 1 wrote on September 19, 2007 9:08 am:
" Welcome home, Senator Johanns. "

 Friendly Advice wrote on September 19, 2007 9:35 am:
" Jon Bruning, drop out of the race and support Mike Johanns to unify the party and defeat Bob Kerrey. If you do that, you secure the GOP nomination for Governor or Senate...someday. If you don't, you will lose and face a primary challenge when you run for re-election in 2010. Patience is a virtue. "

 Big Margin wrote on September 19, 2007 9:55 am:
" Johanns was a terrible Governor - oh, was he really? Then why did he win a 2002 re-election 69-27, a 42 point spread? That's a huge margin. He even got half the Democrats to vote for him instead of Stormy Dean! That was after they'd seen him as Governor for 6 years already. Some Democrats are whining about Johanns getting into the race because no Democrat can beat him, whereas Bruning was beatable by a well-run Demo campaign. Kerrey will probably not run now, because Johanns owns the race against all possible opponents. "

 Matt P. wrote on September 19, 2007 10:08 am:
" Johann has no vision and ran this state like it was the 1940's. However, in a republican primary, I would certainly take Johanns over Bruning, as he appears to be the lesser of two evils. In the general election, however, I won't vote for Johanns. I want a leader in the Senate who is not a republican "yes man" and that is what we get both with Bruning and Johanns. I'm a republican, but will be voting democratic if these are the only options. Please someone with some vision and a reasonably minded view on social issues please enter the republican race!! Nebraskans will soon realize why Hagel was such an asset. "

 BD wrote on September 19, 2007 10:14 am:
" Oh no! This guy just wants a paycheck. And the idiot Nebraskans will vote for the pretty smile that has scammed them again!! If people can't see he wants more permanent employment & pay check, because if the Democrats get in he might be out. Show me one thing he's done, except smile and rubber stamp Bush. Nebraska keeps going down down down and the rest of the country laughs and laughs!! "

 Husker wrote on September 19, 2007 10:18 am:
" The stain of the Bush Administration is going to hurt him but best of luck anyway. "

 BiteBack wrote on September 19, 2007 10:23 am:
" So the NE GOP attacks Bob Kerrey for living in NYC and maybe returning to run for Seante again but they welcome back Mike Johanns from DC - a man who has to go house hunting at home? And right - he never had a job he didnt leave. "

 Rats wrote on September 19, 2007 10:39 am:
" Rats bailing on the Bush sinking ship. "

 Ricky wrote on September 19, 2007 10:44 am:
" What is more important to Nebraska? I favorable farm bill or Johanns running for the Senate? Johanns left the Gov. house before the term was up now he is leaving another job unfinished. I don't think this is the guy we want representing Nebraska. Ricky From Omaha "

 Alan wrote on September 19, 2007 10:49 am:
" Johanns was the last good Mayor Lincoln had. I fully support his run for senate. "

 JT wrote on September 19, 2007 11:26 am:
" Thank goodness we won't have Jon Bruning as the GOP candidate. Kerrey v. Johanns should be an awesome race that will put us on the national political map. Thanks for entering the race Mike and good luck Sen. Kerrey. "

 Here we go again wrote on September 19, 2007 11:30 am:
" This man was never a leader; our current Gov. ForeverSeekingAHigherOffice is the same way. Mike and Stephanie need to stay in D.C., bask in the glow of the Decider and Dick Cheney's cabinety meetings (and, yeah--what about the farm bill, Secretary?). Johanns shows himself to be too easily distracted and unable to complete his assignments. We need someone thoughtful, independent, and wise (like Sen. Hagel) to represent us. "

 Yawn! wrote on September 19, 2007 11:31 am:
" Senator Johanns!!! - Me thinks that some people are counting their chickens before the eggs are hatched. Besides, I think 'Senator Kerrey' has a much better ring to it anyway. "

 galfriday wrote on September 19, 2007 11:37 am:
" What a joke! Johanns did enough damage when he was governer...at least in Washington, he couldn't mess too much up. And that nasal voice, UGH! Nice that he quits in the middle of the farm bill debate. Just what Nebraska needs, a person who doesn't give a hoot about farm programs. Anyway, if Kerrey runs, it will be no contest anyway. "

 Eric wrote on September 19, 2007 11:47 am:
" Interesting that he is leaving during the middle of the Farm Bill debate... I do hope he wins the Republican primary as having him would be much better than Bruning. Of course, I'm hoping Kerrey returns to make this whole race very interesting! "

 Reality wrote on September 19, 2007 12:21 pm:
" Bruning's arrogance has really got him in trouble now by taking on the Republican establishment of this state so aggressively. There is nothing wrong with that per se, but his platform also stinks. Unless Johanns' platform is even worse (which I doubt), I will be voting for him in the primary. We need experienced lawmakers and not arrogant and hollow upstarts like Bruning to represent the state. Jon, you can go back to Bruning now and sulk. "

 great news! wrote on September 19, 2007 12:23 pm:
" I hope Jon Bruning stays in the race and gets slaughtered! His ego needs a serious reality check. "

 Excited Voter wrote on September 19, 2007 12:24 pm:
" It is about time that we had a good political race here in Nebraska instead of another race where you knew who was going to win. Johanns v. Kerrey should be fun to watch since at this point nobody knows who will win. Whatever your political affiliation is this will be a fun election season. Like others have said, Jon Bruning should get out of the race and do a good job as the Attorney General and shoot for higher office at a later date. He is 38 years old so he has plenty of time to run for other political offices. "

 Jim wrote on September 19, 2007 12:38 pm:
" How long has he been gone, he has no true knowledge of what Nebraska wants or needs anymore, ha ha ha, There goes the Republicans only defense against Kerry running. The mess he has made of the Ag bills and the lack of real support he gives Agriculture in this state will finally come back and bite him in the rear. Heck as Ag Sec he was in the Nebraska before and after the biggest Ag event in the state and didn't even have time to come out and see what the Ag community is talking about, talk about staying in touch with the people he is suppoe to be working for. It is also amazing that he only came back to Nebraska when he thought maybe he was going to run for Senate....... but wait he cares so much for Nebraska ..... what a joke he is. "

 Sarah wrote on September 19, 2007 1:04 pm:
" Anyone see a trend here.....he leaves every office early. FINISH ONE JOB!!! Just one....you quite everything I will never vote for you! Kerry where are you in our time of need? "

 THE-QUITTER-RETURNS wrote on September 19, 2007 1:18 pm:
" Mike Johanns...QUITS another job....to go after yet another job...will he QUIT...this one too??? Here is Mr Johanns' political history: Lincoln Mayor - QUIT why? for higher office... Nebraska Governor - QUIT why? for a better job... Secretary of AG (his "dream" job) - QUIT why? political opportunity... US Farm Bill - GAVE UP why? Selfish politician Mike Johanns cares ONLY about his RESUME...he has NO real stance on any issue....ALL HE DOES IT QUIT QUIT QUIT....at least Daub and Brunning serve their current/former offices honorably...and WITHOUT QUITTING. If Johanns wins...I bet he QUITS to run for the GOP Presidential nomination in 2012... He has QUIT on Nebraska before...and HE GAVE UP...on Nebraska's agricultural community...he'll QUIT AGAIN!! Michael Johanns = indecisive QUITTER "

 tough to beat wrote on September 19, 2007 1:22 pm:
" I think Kerrey would have taken down any of the second-tier GOP candidates. But he'll have a tough time beating Johanns, if he decides to run. It'll be funny watching Bruning accuse Johanns of bailing on Bush and the Farm Bill, when he's using his current office as a campaign platform on a daily basis. "

 Sylvia wrote on September 19, 2007 1:33 pm:
" You'd think if he really wanted the job, he would have done something for Nebraska as National Secretary of Ag. "

 Kerry supporter wrote on September 19, 2007 1:51 pm:
" Kerry! Kerry! Kerry! Kerry! "

 Bob wrote on September 19, 2007 1:56 pm:
" QUITER is right. Thats all Johanns has done, dabble and quit. Dabble there and quit. Somebody tell me what he did while mayor or governor except pamper the "friends". I don't go for his smooth talking smiley face. What next, get into the senate and then run for President. Wake up you people, have you not noticed Nebraska constantly keeps down the drain????!!! I'm getting a little sick of these so-called Nebraska want-a-be politicians jumping from leap after another when they have not done a thing for the people of the state they are suppose to serve, except draw a big pay check. "

 Avg Lincoln Taxpayer-Taxed To Death wrote on September 19, 2007 2:30 pm:
" Here is the real question: If Mike was so loved as the Gov, why did he not win the voters ballots in Lincoln when he ran for the position of "State Big Cheese, aka Governor??? Was it the nice folks of Lincoln saw how much of a "leader" he was errrrr wasn't? "

 JCB wrote on September 19, 2007 2:42 pm:
" Why waste the time, this seat is for a Democrat now. No need for another reactionary "Bush" Republican "

 Right Winger wrote on September 19, 2007 4:13 pm:
" Now just sit back and watch these republicans try to be more conservative than the other. This is a circus waiting to happen. Or should I say a comedy? Truth is, non of these republicans know how to run anything except their mouths. Except for the government into the ground. "

 tom Nuker wrote on September 19, 2007 5:43 pm:
" What a shame! He does nothing except what the party wants. He's just another PRO-politician! The bad thing is- we don't have much to choose from either! "

 What a mess wrote on September 19, 2007 9:10 pm:
" Mike Johanns was a horrible governor. The only reason he won his re-election was that most Nebraskans lack common sense. When most Nebraskans were taught how to vote by their parents, they were told to vote for the name with the (R) beside it. Why waste education effort when the hogs need slopping? "

 Ralph wrote on September 19, 2007 9:53 pm:
" Well he sure did alot for the farmers!!!!? Goes to show you he doesn't care about anybody but himself and his paycheck. I sure wouldn't vote for him, after all his example as Ag Secretary will be the same as Senator. Anybody donating money to his campaigning I would have great concern for their intelligence!! "

 Awesome Dude wrote on September 19, 2007 10:07 pm:
" Johanns for President!!!!!!!!! "

 Missing Hagel wrote on September 19, 2007 11:02 pm:
" I miss Hagel already. "

 ALW wrote on September 20, 2007 9:39 am:
" Most of you are just freaking out because you know Johanns could beat Kerry. As for voting for people with an R behind their name...that goes both ways. Thanks to being a college town where both state and city government are most of the people in Lincoln vote for the candidate with the big D behind their name. Liberal city in a conservative state. "

 JCB wrote on September 20, 2007 10:37 am:
" He would have been out of a job anyway with all the Bush Republicans leaving Washington after the next national election. "

 MBM wrote on September 20, 2007 3:46 pm:
" Where can I contibute "

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