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Subscribe to RSSFormer Sen. Bob Kerrey (D) announced this morning he would not seek the U.S. Senate seat from Nebraska -- all but ensuring another Republican takeover.
"I have given the decision of becoming a candidate for the U.S. Senate very serious thought and prayer," Kerrey said in an email, per AP. "For many reasons I nearly said yes. In the end I choose to remain a private citizen. To those who urged me to do so, I am sorry, very sorry to have disappointed you. I hope you understand that I have chosen what I believe is best for my family and me."
The decision came despite a recruiting push by national Democrats to try and get him to run after incumbent Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson announced he would not seek reelection.
If President Obama wins reelection, Republicans need to win a net of four seats to take back control of the Senate. If a Republican wins the presidency, the GOP needs to pick up three. With this Nebraska seat, it's the second where Republicans are heavily favored -- North Dakota being the other.
The favorite to win the GOP primary in Nebraska is Attorney General Jon Bruning, but faces a primary notably from state Treasurer Don Stenberg.
Kerrey served in the U.S. Senate from 1989 to 2000 and ran for president in 1992. It's not the first time Kerrey's name has come up for a Nebraska Senate seat and he declined.
But he has lived in New York City for the past decade, serving as president of The New School, far from his Nebraska roots. (He's currently President Emeritus at The New School.)
Democrats still maintain they have a chance here, but it's unlikely.
“As we have seen in the last several weeks, Republicans are at each other’s throats in Nebraska," said Matt Canter, spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. "The Republican primary in the state has become a proxy war between Mitch McConnell’s ethically challenged candidate Jon Bruning and Jim Demint’s tea partier Don Stenberg, which will provide an opportunity for Democrats to remain competitive."
Looking past Nebraska, Canter notes, "We continue to play offense this election cycle in Massachusetts, Nevada, Arizona, and Indiana, and remain fully confident that we will hold the majority next year.”
Some potential Democratic candidates in Nebraska include Omaha State Sen. Steve Lathrop and Chuck Hassebrook, executive director of the Center for Rural Affairs and member of the Board of Regents.
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The GNOP is already measuring the drapes already eh?
To be honest, I don't care if the GNOP take the filibuster frozen Senate, as long as the Democrats retake the House!
Say hello to Madame Speaker!
In other breaking news; the VP of the Susan B. Komen foundation has resigned! Good Riddance!
no way the House is going DEM, keep drinking the koolaid
Hi Feisty,
It would nice to have Nancy back in charge. Also, that is great news with the VP of the Susan B. Komen foundation resigning.
And the lefties still won't admit the huge mistake they made by not electing Hillary Clinton.
She would have been a shoe in for reelection and congressional candidiates would not have to run, hide, and avoid being linked to her like they are with Obama.
This comment reeks of desperation! lmao!
The operative word there is "likely".
People polled think the President is doing a better job than Republicans
These numbers come as Romney’s favorability numbers are moving down rapidly. And this morning’s WaPo/ABC poll shows that by a 2 to 1 margin, the more people find out about Romney the less they like him.
Meanwhile, President Obama also seems to be tracking up in some key swing states like New Hampshire.
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2012/02/looking_at_the_numbers.php?ref=fpblg
In other breaking news; the VP of the Susan B. Komen foundation has resigned! Good Riddance!
The count down is now on for when Obama will reverse his decision on forcing catholic organizations to violate their own sacred beliefs.
To bad he won't resign his position like the Komen VP. No worries though he's going to get fired in November nonetheless.
Rob in ma-3189632
And the lefties still won't admit the huge mistake they made by not electing Hillary Clinton.
She would have been a shoe in for reelection and congressional candidiates would not have to run, hide, and avoid being linked to her like they are with Obama.
=====
Rob...to think that the GOP/conservatives in the Country would have lovingly embraced a Clinton Presidency with open arms is a bit of a stretch. Her domestic positions were farther left than you claim Obama's is.
It's all fake outrage by Rob and the others on the right.
This comment reeks of desperation! lmao!
desperation??? You're kidding, right?
I'm savoring every minute I can of the impending death of the progressive movement.
Rob in ma-3189632
In other breaking news; the VP of the Susan B. Komen foundation has resigned! Good Riddance!
The count down is now on for when Obama will reverse his decision on forcing catholic organizations to violate their own sacred beliefs.
=====
They are not "violating" their sacred beliefs. That's a bunch of crap. These institutions are large scale employers, especially the Hospitals and Universities.
With one simple statement, if the Hospitals and Universities were dicated by their 'sacred beliefs' they would not hire non-Catholics as part of their workforce...but low and behold these institutions, just like many others cannot discriminate based on religious affiliation.
I do have a question...are there any catholic Hospitals or Universities that exist within the 28 States that already have this provision on their books and if so, has the rest of the catholic population ex-communicated these catholics because they are adhering to the law of the land by providing contraceptive services in their benefits plan?
And Rob, please repost your outrage when each of the 28 States put these provisions on their books. Thanks
I'm sorry that Mr. Kerrey isn't pursuing the seat but I can't blame him for not wanting to get back into politics. He has served his nation well in the military, in the Senate and in education. Why would he want to get back into what politics has become since he last was in office?
Feisty--a good start with the resignation at the Komen Foundation. If her words are true and the entire Board approved the move, seems to me the entire Board should be resigning.
This comment reeks of desperation! lmao!
PS -- it looks like President SuperPac is the desperate one.
Nancy wants her 757 back.........flying commercial sucks......even if it is first class
Theres no broom like Broomstick One........
Sure you are! *wink wink* lol
Well here is a flat out lie by Axlerod. He said on Morning Joe that Governor Romney supported the contraception issue in MA, under his health care law. However,
http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/health/insurance-coverage-for-contraception-state-laws.aspx
I'll repeat the statement. A flat out lie by David Axlerod. Now why did no one on the show challenge him? And why did no one one ask him how adding new mandates to an insurance policy can possibly lower the premiums?
umm, Alan, NJ
What makes you think a Religious entity (hospital or university) is automatically a 'qualified church-controlled organization'?
I do not think it means what you think it means. Psst, here's a tip, if they accept federal funds for medicare or tuition grants,...they fall under the VEIL of non qualified church controlled organization.
(here's your opportunity to change your narrative - your welcome.)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
PS. Feisty, why on earth would Handel resign if Komen's '...donations were up over 100%...' within days of the controversy? hmm, things to ponder today.
Clara,
Funny you should mention that. I asked the exact same question last week... and guess what?
I'm still waiting for an answer...
I wish John Kerry , the hypocrite from mass would follow suit!
The Dems retake the House? hahahahaha! Now that was something to tickle the funnybone of us all. What will happen is the House will stay GOP, with the Senate also Republican.
As for Barry - bye, bye.
And how are Planned Parenthood allowed to perform abortions if they accept Federal money? Right back at you. I guess religious organizations have different accounts just like PP.
I wonder if Warren Buffet or his secretary would consider running? I wonder how much the Pipeline can be used as a wedge against the extreme Koch Brothers?
Hmm,...things to ponder.
Alan
Because, as is true with ANY Restricted Fund donations,...an accounting or proof of expenditure is required. In the case of Komen last week, a $680K Restricted Grant is given,...Planned Parenthood shows expenditures of $680K in Breast Exams, Education, etc.
This is how Restricted Funds work. And there is a governing body to ensure compliance. Audits, the whole shebang. Of course, it won't stop the hyenas from howling FOUL. But those are the facts.
Planned Parenthood cannot use the Federal Grants for Abortion (Hyde Amendment - 1977, I think). So you bet your sweet ass they have clear accounting of those Federal Grant dollars - in and out. Pretty basic accounting principles.
Rob @ 1.9
Wait until the libertarian wing of the republican party takes the party back! I would vote to send the Neo-Cons back to the democrats, they enjoyed them so much.....
AS far as Nebraska, it's going to go republican unless the Neo-Con's shoot us all in the foot like they did in 2010 with Harry Reid in Nevada....
A bit of a stretch? It's utter lunacy.
Rob, please don't insult our intelligence with such nonsense. Republicans care about two things: money and power. The health and well-being of the average American is only on their list insofar as they can pretend to care to get our votes.
And you had better pray for the health and well-being of the progressive movement.
Progression is good. Regression is bad. It's that simple.
Since Romney will be your nominee Republican participation will be down. Hence, Democratic candidates have a chance in every district and senate seat. Let me repeat. Democratic candidates have a chance in every district and senate seat that comes up. Democrats! Push that defeatist attitude out of your minds and work hard towards wins! Obama 2012.
Hell Yes, we can.
Obama / Biden 2012. The Clear, Clean and Best Choice for America.
does he deserve, I mean has he earned it?
Buck Naked Sr
does he deserve, I mean has he earned it?
=====
In my opinion, he has earned far more than Republican Senators to merit regaining the Senate or the Republicans in House have earned to retain control of the House.
The President has earned two more terms. However, by law he will have to take one.
Anna I agree with you, however, Voters across the Political Spectrum are FedUp with how America's Government are'nt working for THEM. Democrats, who stayed Home & Whined in 2010 about How President Obama did'nt bring "Hope & Change" fast enough for them, are Primarily to Blame(My Opinion) for the Current Poltical Mess.
With that said, I also feel that Wholesale Changes are comeing this November, in regard to what we're witnessing now as to the Federal Government. Americans who are paying Attention, are seeing 1st hand what to expect if Republicans are given Control again. I'm Not saying that Democrats have a Lock on Anything(to many unknowns), but I look to see Major Changes come November!
Incumbents up for ReElection(either Party) will be thrownout(if the process is'nt Rigged)! TeaParty/ Republicans run on Destrying America will be shown the Door( with a swift Kick in the A$$ as they exit), as they should be, but that does'nt mean that Democrats will be given Unchecked Power!
Unions have seen what elected officials think of'em & will be out in Force, to get thier message to the Voters, It may be thier Last Stand! Democrats in the Senate (led by Harry Ried) Failed to standUp to pressure from the GOP & caved yesterday! In my Opinion, that is the Ultimate Betrayal of Unions & Harry Ried should be shown the Door out of a Leadeship Position.
Occupy SoggyBottom!
I don't have a defeatist bone in my body. We all need to do what we can to re-elect the President. We all need to play our part in this democracy.
If every Obama supporter who posts here would make a commitment to volunteer in Obama's campaign and to help get out the vote in national, state and local elections, we would be unstoppable.
The power is in our hands if we choose to exercise it.
what is up with this sleeping ad and the lady with the large ta tas?
I'm not clicking on it, you click on it :) Then tell us what large ta tas have to do with sleep!
I ain't clicking on it. That is what I was wondering. can you expound on that idea from personal experience?
Ok...I'll click on it....
Now that's funny.
[Then tell us what large ta tas have to do with sleep!]
Ummm...pillows?
If the Reps take over the Senate with a simple Majority, they better get ready for the Dem Senator Phil A. Buster from the Great State of HellNo!
Hi Pat,
I love this.
Actually, if the R's take the Senate with a one-vote majority, I fully expect that their absolute first order of business will be to change the rules and eliminate or severely limit the ability of the Dems to filibuster.
You heard it here first. The R's do not play nice. They are in it to win, and they will do whatever it takes to win. This ought to be quite clear to everyone by now.
Why not Clap, didn't the Dems also accomplish this rule?
Damn, you mean he's going to change party!
I love the way you liberals decry it when the republicans do it but it's the first weapon you will use when it's your turn....
I though you guys were for fair and level playing fields?
Actually, no, they didn't. In my opinion, they should have done something to stop the flagrant abuse, but, being Democrats, they didn't have the backbone.
The Democrats are spineless wieners, but the Republicans are actually evil; what's a poor voter to do?
u libs are either blind or delusional to the current sentiment in this country. nov '10 was just a beginning... its gonna be a republican house,senate and presidency...then what ? do we all work together when that happens?
And the END! lol
Say, maybe you can tell us where all the tea baggers went?
The *crickets* are deafening!
bcplus, you should actually be very scared of that outcome since historically the data says the Republicans are bad with the Economy, bad with foreign policy, bad with the stock market.
Its the worst of all mathematical outcomes.
Of course a brainwashed GOP supporter will have none of that logical talk about real historical data.
no
the end of the Obama experiment........2012
That want happen. $10,000.00 bet?
outsider,
Wshen you talk about mathematical outcomes, are you also including the near $17T of debt racked up by this administration?
When does Obama accept accountability for the economy?
Haven't you heard, "It's morning in America" now belongs to the Democrats? Get with it, Domenico!
People forget that North Dakota is in the middle of an economic boom and that a good candidate in Nebraska has a great chance against the Tea Party candidate.
there economy is great due to expansion of the oil industry.........would love to see a DNC candidate run on a "Carbon" energy platform
This is great news that we will get rid of another Democrat that one and the useless one we have in Missouri (McCasskill) gives us 2 seats and we are well on the way to controlling everything. I am sure that will get your socialist panties in a wad. Don't worry there will be plenty of jobs that you useless welfare cheats can apply for. I know it will seem strange to have to work for what you want out of life but I am sure you will get used to the government check not showing up every month but you will make it
If that happens, then Dems in House and Senate will play the game the Repubs have played all of Obama's term. Nothing gets done and the blame game starts again only the roles are reversed.
I would much rather see that than the path that this president and the progressives are taking us. The government has one function and that is what they should concentrate on and forget all this other progressive BS. They need to stay out of the private sector none of them are any good at creating anything other than a mess
You should change your moniker 'cause there is nothing openminded about your posts. Just what path are you talking about?
Praise all things Holy! Now that POS can go suck on a ketchup bottle live in Syria where he belongs!
Now, if we could only get the other Kerry to do the same...
John Kerry probably will retire. I think he knows just how unpopular he is up here these days.
Just like Barney Frank if they have to actually work at something they head right for the "retirement" exit.
Do you guys practice stupidity or does it just come naturally? Your posts flow like it is a natural state of mind for you.
JOB1 As a confirmed liberal are you STILL actually using the old Biden "clean and articulate" standard???? REALLY!!!
Someone said "it would be nice if Nancy were back in charge" Nancy Pelosi?! Are you kidding! She is the one who urged Congress to "just vote on it and read it later" on the Obama Care bill. Read this: There shouldn't be a need to raise all this money just to do smear campaign ads. Also, we are supposed to pay huge fees to get on the ballot in most states. ALL OF THIS IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL. There are only 3 criteria to run for President, but because of all the unconstitutional red tape now involved, regular American citizens cannot hope to win. I am still running for President of the United States for lots of reasons. Mostly because there is not one candidate up there that is telling you what you need to know. Look at the National Defense Authorization Act which Romney voted for and Mr. Obama signed into law. In it is a nice "gotcha" for the American people...they can now arrest and hold YOU indefinetly without proof or a trial. This happened on New Year's Eve and for all intents and purposes Democracy died that day. I am running to try to get it back. Did you know that hidden in the Obama Care bill is another "gotcha"? If you are 76 years old or older you will NOT be treated for cancer. Yes, the death panel is real! Did you know that the FDA is preventing a Doctor in Houston, Tx. from finishing his clinical trials on cancer treatments THAT ARE CURING CANCER so that they may continue to take money from big pharma? That doctor discovered Peptides that are missing in cancer patients and is actually curing some brain cancers as well as other types? We don't need anymore Professional Politicians...we need one of us to become the President and get the White House in order! Check out my website at: www.klanethepeoplespresident.com and if you like what you see, vote for me, even if you have to do it as a write in. Change can't happen without you. Right now, it is becoming a literal matter of life and death!
Stop before your head explodes! Your post is so full of false statements and half truths. Death panels - really? REALLY??? Trying to scare seniors much with that statement??? The National Defense Authorization Act - tell me how a private citizen voted for that bill (Mitt Romney)? I'd like to see proof that a clinical trial was ended so funding could continue for pharmacuticals. Please...have the courage to correct your mistakes before you make a bigger fool of yourself than you already have on this blog.
Goodbye Dems. Across the board - House, Senate and Executive. The spending has to stop and govt. needs to shrink to 1970 levels before Nixon created that incredibly ineffective Dept. of No Energy - which means the Dept of No Education can be put on the list, too, for shutdown.
rebelwcause
are you planning to shrink our population to 1970 levels, as well? And by what method,...gas chambers?
good luck with that.
Has nothing to with population levels you dum-dum. Spending levels. S-P-E-N-D-I-N-G. Get it now?
This radical right doesn't know what they are talking about.
umm, jackass rebel,
are costs not proportional to the population? I mean you really can't feed a family of 10 on the same groceries you purchased for a family of one, can you?
If so,...hook me up with your method,...cuz' that's not just Republican Math,...it appears it's Republican MAGIC!
btw Clara - I would bet bottom dollar the haberdasher from Independence, MO, Harry S. Truman, would think Obama is in way over his head as president.
Surprising, since Truman's political career was made possible by his membership in Tom Pendergrast's corrupt Dem political machine in KC. And Obama is of the same cloth - whatever it takes regardless of propriety.
But Truman could spot a phoney from 100 yards. And Obama is a phoney.
Clara - spending levels for entitlement programs are tied to the population levels - or the number of newly created poor as proven by Obama's record number of food stamp recipients. Yes, this economy is heading in the right direction for sure! Every man a king, a chicken in every pot!
I write primarily of reducing discretionary spending without thinking of entitlement reform which also needs to be done.
Do you not know the difference between an apple and and orange? You are writing they are the same.
The best argument against reelecting Dems at all levels - a two minute "conversation" with the Dem on the street.
rebel
I would say it is all contextual. When Romney speaks about not being concerned about the very poor,...because there are safety nets. The context of the remark is that "someone else or something else" will provide for the very poor. And when I see comments about you claiming to make a nuanced distinction between apples and oranges while using a Food Stamp metaphor,...I see them as equal because that particular 'SAFETY NET' equates to food. Which is life sustaining.
When President W drives government spending to the BRINK on Defense waste in unfounded and unfunded wars and Prescription Drug benefits; but says he's not concerned about Osama. I have to take the man at his word. When President O is forced to pass a stimulus plan that is 1/3 comprised of TAX CUTS to attempt to reach across to the party of irrationality and they still vote no,...all to reel us back from the massive ditch left by unfunding government (or as the right likes to call it - Starving the Beast); well, I find it more than a bit disingenuous that they then want to stand on the side lines and whine about the manner in which the Recession is being steered.
I see that you understood my point about populations and spending; but you seem to have very different priorities. You have not mentioned SPECIFIC entitlements that are egregious to you,...But if I am to take you at your words above - you want NO long term energy policy (because you falsely assume fossil fuels are indefinite?) and no education (self evident; but self defeating, as well?)
I'd think you'd come up with some moon colonies that we should NOT plan to fund or populate (sorry, had to get that dig on Gingrich, seriously? This guy makes me laugh) or maybe some defense contracts that could wait until we're a little more solid. But you guys go for programs that provide LONG TERM benefits with very little cost and downside (proportionally speaking). Without Education,...America CANNOT compete. We see India, China and Japan ready to pounce technologically. And we want to bitch about feeding the poor and children?
There is your context. Apples are not Oranges; but they ARE Food. And to a hungry person, they are interchangeable.
Bush's destructive spending does not mean spending even more than Bush did will fix it, does it? Which is what Obama is doing. Two wrongs don't make a right.
When I write cut spending to 1970 levels I mean the rampant, mostly useless, govt. bureaucracy. No more no less. The best are not employed by the govt.; they would be hired away by the private sector if they had any business talent. Which feeds and explains the waste in govt.
It's time to cut to the chase and bring out the scapel on govt. spending while raising some excise taxes - and the new Republicans in power will do that deal so long as the quid pro quo is rock solid.
actually, rebel, I don't think Obama's spending is destructive. In fact, he's attempting to fix the things that are duplicative and streamline efficiencies where possible.
McConnel stated his single focus was to make Obama fail. And he is very determined in that endeavor.
When you scorn government as you do, it belittles all of us. I believe that there are MANY fine, good employees in the federal government, just as I believe that there are many fine, good teachers. I don't hold either group in contempt, and I damn sure don't blame them for the systemic failures of BUSINESS (sic Wall Street, Banks et al) to put a drain on our national economy.
By the way, sorry I called you a jackass earlier,...it seemed you were rotely baiting me. No excuse,...so again, sorry about that.
The economic arsonists that deregulated corruption and ran up the debt are again dreaming of power. However, their real constituency is but a percent of the top 5% and right wing ideologues. If independent and moderate voters want to economically survive and prosper, they must consider their choice carefully. Any Republican elected will vote in unison with their partisan and Wall Street masters.
Congressional Republicans have unified in obstructing recovery. With a majority they would reverse it and drain the middle class and poor of government services as well. Republican promises are for campaigning, not for pursuing in Washington. What "jobs, jobs, jobs" actions have they taken since 2010? None.
LMAO, kerry just the first of many dem's to bail on obama between now and this spring!!!!