No More Child's Play: Chucky (Hagel) Calls It Quits

The piece makes it sound as though Republican horror show Chuck Hagel was actually a serious Presidential contender if he wanted it, hard to imagine after that scary non-announcement announcement of his back in March made everyone cringe.

His national profile reached its zenith in March, when he headed to Omaha to hold a press conference on his political future.

But amid wide speculation that he was leaning toward a White House run, Hagel announced that he would disclose his plans later in the year.

Consider them disclosed. There'll be no Child's Play 5: Chucky Runs For Prez co-starring Michael Bloomberg. B movie fans are sure to mourn the loss as Republicans confront the demon of another open Senate seat in 2008, though that might be less frightening than the sure to be bloody primary had he stayed to potentially face a ghost from the past in the general election, Bob Kerrey (D) - who actually does look a little scary, if you ask me.

WASHINGTON - Chuck Hagel will announce Monday that he is retiring from the U.S. Senate and will not run for president next year, people close to the Nebraska Republican said Friday.

His pending retirement leaves another GOP Senate seat without an incumbent at a time when the Republican Party is struggling to stem potential losses and must defend more seats than Democrats.

In Nebraska, the news will trigger a scramble among possible successors.

Attorney General Jon Bruning has been campaigning for the GOP Senate nomination since spring. A second Republican, financial adviser Pat Flynn of Schuyler, also already announced his candidacy.

Other Republicans who could enter the race are former Gov. Mike Johanns, now the U.S. agriculture secretary; former Omaha Mayor Hal Daub; and Columbus businessman Tony Raimondo.

Former Democratic Sen. Bob Kerrey, president of the New School University in New York City, has voiced interest in returning to the Senate.

Comments

[clarice]

Having put Hsu and Bernie Schwarz(Loral--Chinese tech transfer) with zero vetting on the New School Board is no feather in Kerrey's cap.

[Fred Beloit]

Adios.

[Observer]

Kerry is the likely one at this point, but that could blow up down the line because of him putting Norman Hsu on the board at the New School.

If that turns big, he could be more collateral damage from that affair.

Any Republican running against Kerry would likely beat him with it like a stick.

[Terry Gain]

Hopefully the Nebraskan Republicans will run a Republican next time.

[red]

Hegel leaving --- One imbecile Senator down, 40-50 to go.