Ben Nelson retiring. Good (I hope)

[Boyo Jim]

With Democrats like Nelson, one hardly needs Republicans. Still, with a state like Nebraska, the next person could be worse. Good luck, Nebraska Dems -- I'm sure you can find a more progressive candidate than him, I just hope it turns out to be an electable one.

[Evil Captor]

Bah, good riddance to bad rubbish. It sure was tiresome, hearing all the times he voted with Republicans instead of Dems. The heck with him and his years of service ... to Wall Street.

[Kolak of Twilo]

CNN is reporting the Dems are reaching out to former Nebraska Senator Bob Kerrey about coming back.....

[Oakminster]

Good luck, Nebraska. I'm sure you can find a conservative candidate to replace him and help swing control of the Senate to the GoP.

[Folacin]

Good luck, Nebraska. I'm sure you can find a conservative candidate to replace him and help swing control of the Senate to the GoP.

Nelson is retiring in part because he doesn't think he can win.

Unless the Republicans nominate some form of O'Donnel/Angle, it should be an easy pickup.

[BobLibDem]

Good luck, Nebraska. I'm sure you can find a conservative candidate to replace him and help swing control of the Senate to the GoP.

Because it's working out so fucking well to have the GOP in control of the House? Let's see, what would a Republican Senate push for? Tax cuts for the rich? Right wing judges?

Former Sen. Kerrey may run for Nelson's seat. It would be nice to replace a faux Democrat with the real thing.

[BrainGlutton]

:confused: Nebraska . . . Isn't that the capital of Omaha?

[elucidator]

It is the center of the struggle between wheat and corn to be the Earth's dominant form of life.

[BrainGlutton]

It is the center of the struggle between wheat and corn to be the Earth's dominant form of life.

I'm afraid AGW might tip the balance to rice . . .

[BrainGlutton]

Nelson is retiring in part because he doesn't think he can win.

Unless the Republicans nominate some form of O'Donnel/Angle, it should be an easy pickup.

How active is the Tea Party in Nebraska?

[longhair75]

How active is the Tea Party in Nebraska?

Not really very active at all. Nebraska was a very conservative state before the Tea Party movement started.

[Bricker]

Because it's working out so fucking well to have the GOP in control of the House? Let's see, what would a Republican Senate push for? Tax cuts for the rich? Right wing judges?

Judges that base their decisions on the text of the Constitution, and not the penumbras and emanations written in the ether.

[Steve MB]

Nelson is retiring in part because he doesn't think he can win.

Unless the Republicans nominate some form of O'Donnel/Angle, it should be an easy pickup.

In a state as conservative as Nebraska, there is no reason for the GOP to settle for squishy RINOs like those two!

[StusBlues]

The GOP nominee will either be Attorney General Jon Bruning or Congressman Jeff Fortenberry. There isn't a Democrat with a high enough profile to do anything now, even if Kerrey did come back.

Ben actually might have won against Bruning--he's very vulnerable on some personal issues, and, with the exception of an excrable person now representing my parents' district, Nebraska doesn't have a record of sending Santorum-like folks to Washington. Then again, the climate has changed so much in the last ten years that a tea party-type might have a shot. Bruning certainly panders to that base; I understand he keeps trophies from captured "illegals" in an office cabinet.

[drewtwo99]

In a state as conservative as Nebraska, there is no reason for the GOP to settle for squishy RINOs like those two!

:D Spoken like a TRUE conservative. Fred Phelps for Nebraska!!!

[Rhythmdvl]

Judges that base their decisions on the text of the Constitution, and not the penumbras and emanations written in the ether.

FTFY: Judges that interpret the text of the Constitution in a way that matches my political ideology.

[Jack Batty]

Methinks for every Ben Nelson there is an equal an opposite Scott Brown. Not that Brown is retiring, but I'm pretty sure that Elizabeth Warren is going to to retire him.

[StusBlues]

:D Spoken like a TRUE conservative. Fred Phelps for Nebraska!!!

Dude, not funny.

For the record, Nebraska prosecuted Shirley Phelps-Roper for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

[Really Not All That Bright]

Judges that base their decisions on the text of the Constitution, and not the penumbras and emanations written in the ether.
Those wouldn't be conservative judges. They'd be imaginary ones.

[BrainGlutton]

Those wouldn't be conservative judges. They'd be imaginary ones.

And a good thing, too.

[Damuri Ajashi]

With Democrats like Nelson, one hardly needs Republicans. Still, with a state like Nebraska, the next person could be worse. Good luck, Nebraska Dems -- I'm sure you can find a more progressive candidate than him, I just hope it turns out to be an electable one.

I doubt it but now at least we will have fewer instances of Republicans claiming bipartisan support for clearly Republican positions.

[jtgain]

Bah, good riddance to bad rubbish. It sure was tiresome, hearing all the times he voted with Republicans instead of Dems. The heck with him and his years of service ... to Wall Street.

But here is the thing, and I've said it in other threads: Ben Nelson votes for Harry Reid as Senate Leader. The most liberal pro-choice, pro-gay marriage, pro-this, anti-that, progressive Republican candidate votes for Mitch McConnell for Senate Leader.

It's like when our side gets a Lincoln Chafee or Jim Jeffords (when he was with us). Sure you would like better, but its the best you can get out of RI or VT (or in your case NE). Win the victories as they come.

[Really Not All That Bright]

The problem with that is that sometimes you end up giving Lim Chaffords too much influence, though. Look at Joe Lieberman - the entire Democratic Party bent over backwards to make him happy (which of course turned out to be a fool's errand anyway).

[Katriona]

:D Spoken like a TRUE conservative. Fred Phelps for Nebraska!!!

Phelps is a Democrat.

[Really Not All That Bright]

Not since 1998. He let his registration lapse after losing the 1998 gubernatorial primary.

[jtgain]

The problem with that is that sometimes you end up giving Lim Chaffords too much influence, though. Look at Joe Lieberman - the entire Democratic Party bent over backwards to make him happy (which of course turned out to be a fool's errand anyway).

Sure, but when it is 49-49-1 or 59-40-1 either way, you have to make a deal with the devil. The defeat of the devil would make it 50-49 or 59-41 respectively and you lose anyways..

[longhair75]

The GOP nominee will either be Attorney General Jon Bruning or Congressman Jeff Fortenberry. There isn't a Democrat with a high enough profile to do anything now, even if Kerrey did come back.

Ben actually might have won against Bruning--he's very vulnerable on some personal issues, and, with the exception of an excrable person now representing my parents' district, Nebraska doesn't have a record of sending Santorum-like folks to Washington. Then again, the climate has changed so much in the last ten years that a tea party-type might have a shot. Bruning certainly panders to that base; I understand he keeps trophies from captured "illegals" in an office cabinet.

I agree. Bruning will likely be the nominee and will likely win.

[StusBlues]

I agree. Bruning will likely be the nominee and will likely win.

I have hopes for Fortenberry or somebody. I don't know as much about Fortenberry, but every time Bruning opens his mouth I cringe.

[Gyrate]

Bah, good riddance to bad rubbish. It sure was tiresome, hearing all the times he voted with Republicans instead of Dems. The heck with him and his years of service ... to Wall Street.More to the point, his service to Omaha and the health insurance industry. Ben knew which side his corn was buttered on. Nebraska is conservative but does occasionally elect sensible Republicans; one can but hope.

As for Bob Kerrey, although he was popular in his day the controversies over the Thanh Phong massacre and the student insurrections at the New School have probably ensured that Bob's done with politics.

[Really Not All That Bright]

Sure, but when it is 49-49-1 or 59-40-1 either way, you have to make a deal with the devil. The defeat of the devil would make it 50-49 or 59-41 respectively and you lose anyways..
The Democrats did lose, at least in the Lieberman Affair. As I recall he wouldn't vote for anything contentious once the watered down healthcare bill passed.

[longhair75]

I have hopes for Fortenberry or somebody. I don't know as much about Fortenberry, but every time Bruning opens his mouth I cringe.

Fortenberry may be able to edge out Bruning, but I don't think so. Stenberg is the political joke he has always been.

The Democrats are starting from too far back to make an impact in this election. I heard someone on the radio this morning calling for Fahey to run, but I am sure he is not interested. Mike Boyle could take a shot at it, but he couldn't win.

[jtgain]

The Democrats did lose, at least in the Lieberman Affair. As I recall he wouldn't vote for anything contentious once the watered down healthcare bill passed.

I will admit that Lieberman was different because in 2006 he ran as an independent while there was a Democratic challenger that could have been elected. And CT is a state you should be able to get a reliable Dem.

My point was in a situation where you have Ben Nelson (D-NE) who pisses you off because he doesn't always play ball, but still caucuses with you versus John Doe (R-NE) who is pro-Obama health care bill, pro repeal DADT, basically everything you want, but he gives his vote to Mitch McConnell as Majority Leader and also votes with the GOP on other caucus issues.

And that is really how it goes because a state like NE will 9/10 times elect a conservative Republican. Just like VT and RI will elect a liberal Dem 9/10 times. On either side, if you get that 1/10 just be thankful for it and not complain because he isn't as conservative/liberal as you would like.

You are never going to get a Sheila Jackson-Lee out of Nebraska, like you would never get a Rick Santorum out of RI. Embrace the D/R INOs that you can pick up from those states. :)

[Evil Captor]

I will admit that Lieberman was different because in 2006 he ran as an independent while there was a Democratic challenger that could have been elected. And CT is a state you should be able to get a reliable Dem.

My point was in a situation where you have Ben Nelson (D-NE) who pisses you off because he doesn't always play ball, but still caucuses with you versus John Doe (R-NE) who is pro-Obama health care bill, pro repeal DADT, basically everything you want, but he gives his vote to Mitch McConnell as Majority Leader and also votes with the GOP on other caucus issues.

And that is really how it goes because a state like NE will 9/10 times elect a conservative Republican. Just like VT and RI will elect a liberal Dem 9/10 times. On either side, if you get that 1/10 just be thankful for it and not complain because he isn't as conservative/liberal as you would like.

You are never going to get a Sheila Jackson-Lee out of Nebraska, like you would never get a Rick Santorum out of RI. Embrace the D/R INOs that you can pick up from those states. :)

I don't see the point of embracing someone who votes with the Republicans just because he has a D after his name.

[Linden Arden]

I don't see the point of embracing someone who votes with the Republicans just because he has a D after his name.

There are far more conserva-Dems than there are moderate Republicans in the Senate. There are only three of the latter - Scott Brown and the Maine ladies.

With Nelson gone the Senate is probably lost. After conceding Nelson and Conrad's seats it will be 51-49 with five more Dems set to retire. Tester and McCaskill will be tough holds and probably underdogs. Bill Nelson in Florida will have a rough fight.

By my count the real pickup opportunities are eleven to one in favor of the GOP.

[Qin Shi Huangdi]

:D Spoken like a TRUE conservative. Fred Phelps for Nebraska!!!

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
Not since 1998. He let his registration lapse after losing the 1998 gubernatorial primary.

He ran in numerous primaries before that winning several thousands of votes. Not to mention he went to the inauguration of Bill Clinton.

[Boyo Jim]

According to a Washington Post story (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/bob-kerrey-changes-his-mind-will-run-for-senate-source-says/2012/02/27/gIQARWZ3dR_blog.html?wpisrc=nl_pmpolitics), Bob Kerry has decided to run for Ben Nelson's seat.

[Onomatopoeia]

According to a Washington Post story (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/bob-kerrey-changes-his-mind-will-run-for-senate-source-says/2012/02/27/gIQARWZ3dR_blog.html?wpisrc=nl_pmpolitics), Bob Kerry has decided to run for Ben Nelson's seat.Now, if we could only get Russ Feingold to run again in Wisconsin.

[Captain Amazing]

I don't see the point of embracing someone who votes with the Republicans just because he has a D after his name.

Because a Democrat who doesn't vote with the Republicans fairly often won't keep his seat in Nebraska, and his Republican replacement will vote with the Republicans even more consistently. Nebraska's not going to elect Chuck Schumer. Your choice in Nebraska is somebody like Ben Nelson or somebody like Mike Johanns.

And lets be fair to Nelson here. While he may be the most conservative of the Democrats in the Senate, his 2011 National Journal vote ranking, for instance, still shows him as voting more liberally than any Republican, even "liberal Republicans" like Olympia Snowe, Susan Collins, and Scott Brown.

[gatorslap]

Because a Democrat who doesn't vote with the Republicans fairly often won't keep his seat in Nebraska

He's retiring anyway. It's all the more frustrating knowing he's not running for re-election.

[Evil Captor]

Because a Democrat who doesn't vote with the Republicans fairly often won't keep his seat in Nebraska, and his Republican replacement will vote with the Republicans even more consistently. Nebraska's not going to elect Chuck Schumer. Your choice in Nebraska is somebody like Ben Nelson or somebody like Mike Johanns.

And lets be fair to Nelson here. While he may be the most conservative of the Democrats in the Senate, his 2011 National Journal vote ranking, for instance, still shows him as voting more liberally than any Republican, even "liberal Republicans" like Olympia Snowe, Susan Collins, and Scott Brown.

He still went with the Republicans on most of the important stuff, or held them up until they'd watered down the legislation until it was acceptable to him, and to be honest, most Republicans. Piece of shit. I'd sooner have an honest Republican in office than someone like him.

[Evil Captor]

There are far more conserva-Dems than there are moderate Republicans in the Senate. There are only three of the latter - Scott Brown and the Maine ladies.

With Nelson gone the Senate is probably lost. After conceding Nelson and Conrad's seats it will be 51-49 with five more Dems set to retire. Tester and McCaskill will be tough holds and probably underdogs. Bill Nelson in Florida will have a rough fight.

By my count the real pickup opportunities are eleven to one in favor of the GOP.

Get the scales off you eyes. Ben Nelson has been a fucking Republican. Nothing's gonna change politically if an actual Republican takes office.

[BrainGlutton]

Get the scales off you eyes. Ben Nelson has been a fucking Republican. Nothing's gonna change politically if an actual Republican takes office.

What if Bob Kerrey does?

[Evil Captor]

What if Bob Kerrey does?

I have not looked at his record in any detail, but to be honest, he does not sound like much of an improvement over Ben Nelson.

[Captain Amazing]

He still went with the Republicans on most of the important stuff, or held them up until they'd watered down the legislation until it was acceptable to him, and to be honest, most Republicans. Piece of shit. I'd sooner have an honest Republican in office than someone like him.

So you'd rather have somebody who'd go with the Republicans on all the important stuff than just some of it? That's the better option for you? Face it, Ben Nelson is the Democratic best case option in Nebraska, and attitudes like yours hurt the party.

Doctor: "I'm sorry, sir, but I'm afraid we're going to have to amputate the leg."

Patient: "You know what, might as well take both off."

[Merneith]

Bob Kerrey is going to try for it. No idea if he can win. Plus he pissed off some other Dem who quit is job to run for th seat after Kerrey initially declined to run.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/29/bob-kerrey-nebraska-senate-seat_n_1311028.html

[StusBlues]

I have not looked at his record in any detail, but to be honest, he does not sound like much of an improvement over Ben Nelson.

Seeing as Bob Kerry ran for President in 1992 on a National Health Care platform...no, you haven't looked at his record in any detail.

[Evil Captor]

Seeing as Bob Kerry ran for President in 1992 on a National Health Care platform...no, you haven't looked at his record in any detail.

It's what I said ...

[StusBlues]

It's what I said ...

Your main objection to Nelson was that he voted with the Republicans and Wall Street most of the time. Bob Kerry ran for President on a NHC platform. That doesn't sound like a DINO to me.

[Ravenman]

Looks like Kerrey is starting off at a very serious disadvantage. Polls (http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/senate/nebraska_senate_race.html) have him down by 20 points against the likely Republicans. Real Clear Politics and the New York Times has Nebraska as a "Lean Republican," and Charlie Cook has it as a "Likely Republican."

It looks like health care is going to be a very difficult issue for Kerrey, especially with the Supreme Court scheduled to issue a decision on Obamacare in June. Whatever the ruling may be, I think it will be pretty easy for the Republican nominee to bash Kerrey with being to the left of Obamacare in a conservative state.