Posted on 11/04/2011 11:41:06 AM PDT by freespirited
All the pieces are in place for a re-election bid, but Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson is wavering on whether he'll seek a third term in 2012 or retire _ a decision that could have a big effect on Democrats' chances of holding their Senate majority.
Nelson told The Associated Press on Thursday that he'll make a decision over the holiday season. In the meantime, he's piled up campaign cash, hired a campaign manager and watched his party spend more than $1 million on ads supporting him.
But Nelson, a conservative Democrat, has told friends and supporters he's not a lock for another run and has expressed frustration with the inability of a divided Congress to pass meaningful legislation.
"He's alluded to a lot of frustration back in Washington," said former Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey, a Nelson supporter. "There's a lot of frustration with him and independent-minded senators about the ability to get things done."
Fahey said he expected Nelson's happiness on the job, as well as family concerns, to factor heavily in his decision.
Nelson's decision will have important consequences for Democratic hopes of maintaining control of the Senate. Republicans need to net four seats in 2012 to take back the upper chamber.
Republicans see his seat as a pickup opportunity either way: They believe the state has tilted further to the right in recent years and think Nelson's vote for President Barack Obama's signature health care legislation will weigh him down.
(Excerpt) Read more at newser.com ...
Nelson’s better than a few of the RINOS on our side.
and let’s hope if they get that majority that Obamacare gets repealed. fingers crossed
None of the RINOS on our side voted for Obamacare. Sorry, i hate the m too, but for that reason I hate Nelson more.
“Just curious to hear you’re reasoning on why the GOP will take the Senate next year”
Well, for starters there are twice as many RAT seats up for re-election than Republicans and all of the Republicans appear, at this point in time to be assured of re-election. Contrast that with the RATs who have six (Cook says 9) of their seats that are rated as “tossups” today, with another five seats that are only “Leans D.” But don’t take my word for it. Check out Charlie Cook or Larry Sabato’s websites. These guys are doing the research. The Republicans only need a couple of seats to take control.
Check out here :http://cookpolitical.com/races/senate/ratings.php
Although that is technically true, Olympia snow voted for it to get out of committee.
Osborne blew it when he ran for Governor, revealing himself a squish on illegals. He’s also too old. Any respectable GOP candidate will defeat the unpopular Nelson this time.
I’m sure Zell left the Democrat party by now.
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