Premium ContentMouse over Home then click on Premium Content for information.Dems Pushing Deadlines in Nebraska
Chuck Hassebrook says he may have something to say come Tuesday — the day before he would be required by state law to register to run for U.S. Senate.
The Democrat says he's "leaning toward" a run for U.S. Senate, but has not quite made up his mind. "It's a big deal," said Hassebrook, who is a UNL regent and the head of the Center for Rural Affairs in Lyons, Neb.
Hassebrook would be the first major Democrat to get into the race since former Nebraska Gov. Bob Kerrey squashed Democratic hopes of a run earlier this week.
Hassebrook has shown considerable interest in the race. Last month, during a Democratic dinner, he told several people that he would jump into the race if Kerrey pulled out.
Of course, he's not the only Democrat eyeing a run. State Sen. Steve Lathrop of Omaha is considering a bid, but several political sources said Thursday that Lathrop appears to be moving away from a run.
He is said to be more interested in running for governor in 2012.
Lathrop, who is busy in the Nebraska Legislature, did not return a telephone call Thursday.
Who's keeping score in the U.S. Senate race?
Both Jon Bruning and Don Stenberg — the two frontrunners in the U.S. Senate race — have been crossing swords of late.
Most notably, Bruning has been trying to portray Stenberg as a frequent loser, who has had plenty of chances to win a Senate seat. In all, Stenberg has lost five statewide races: three Senate bids, an attorney general's race and a run for lieutenant governor.
Stenberg fired back today, criticizing Bruning again for skipping a Saturday debate in Kearney.
In his release, he made mention of the number four. That's how many statewide races Stenberg has won: three for attorney general and one for state treasurer.
But who's keeping score?
Lunch with Bruning?
Jon Bruning will be the featured speaker Monday at the noon luncheon for the Greater Omaha Pachyderm gathering of Republicans.
It's at noon at The Garden Cafe in Rockbrook Village in case you want to come.
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