Former Nebraska U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey said Tuesday he will not run for the Nebraska Senate seat he gave up more than a decade ago, shutting down hopes for a bid both parties called Democrats’ best chance to hold the seat.
The 1992 presidential candidate and former Nebraska governor considered seeking the Democratic nomination to succeed Senator Ben Nelson, a Democrat, but he noted that he has little chance of winning.
“I have given the decision of becoming a candidate for the U.S. Senate very serious thought and prayer,” Mr. Kerrey said in an email announcing his decision. “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.”
“I made it very clear at the beginning that I couldn’t be talked in and couldn’t be talked out, other than my own assessment of what was right and good for my family,” Mr. Kerrey added.
Mr. Nelson’s decision not to run for a third term this year will likely boost the chances of Republicans capturing a number of seats in the U.S. Senate. Republicans announced earlier this year that capturing the lone remaining Democratic seat in Nebraska’s congressional delegation is a priority in 2012.
