Who's left? (Kleeb?) Senate race options dwindle for Democracts in Ne.

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2835&u_sid=10184322

Published Wednesday | November 14, 2007
Who's left? Senate race options dwindle for Democracts
BY ROBYNN TYSVER
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER


During the '06 campaign, Scott Kleeb chatted with Columbus Community Hospital Foundation board members. Kleeb lost the race for Nebraska's 3rd Congressional District to Republican Adrian Smith.


Nebraska Democrats say they remain optimistic they'll find a formidable candidate for next year's U.S. Senate race, even though another of their top prospects bowed out Tuesday.

Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey became the second Democrat in a month to pass on a Senate bid. Last month, former U.S. Sen. Bob Kerrey said he would skip the race.

Democrats are now turning their attention to Scott Kleeb, a relative newcomer to the party who ran a spirited congressional bid last year in western Nebraska. Republican Adrian Smith won that race in the 3rd Congressional District by 10 percentage points.

Kleeb said he will spend the next several weeks, and possibly months, considering whether to jump into the race.

He also said he understands that it may be a tough year for Democrats in GOP-dominated states like Nebraska. Some national Democrats worry that in a presidential year, especially if someone considered a polarizing figure, like Sen. Hillary Clinton, heads the national ticket, Republicans may be more motivated to go to the polls.

But Kleeb said he believes that, ultimately, Nebraskans vote for the individual.

FULL story at link.

[Rockholm]

1. I really liked him in the last cycle.

Sent him some $ on ActBlue.

[TheFarseer]

2. He's our only chance left for a credible candidate

I love the guy. If he runs, I'll do everything I can to get him elected. I certainly think his odds of winning are better than average.

[TwilightGardener]

3. I don't think he can overtake Johanns, no matter how great of a guy he is--

Johanns is getting the Preznit to come out and appear with him in December. 70% of Nebraskans are the 24-percenters who still love Chimpy, so Johanns is pretty much invincible with Chimpy's support. I'll donate to Kleeb, though, if he runs.