He keeps going...and going...and going...

Is 2008 too far away for you? Well how about 2009?!

It's apparent that a number of candidates have already flung their lids into the ring for the Omaha Mayor's office for 2009. Councilmen Jim Suttle and Jim Vokal have already started raising cash. And then there's former Mayor Hal Daub, who's being coy between and '08 Senate run and one for a return to the big office in the City/County Building.

One telling note about which one he prefers – or maybe is more likely to gun for – comes from a recent fund raiser for Jim Vokal. Notably off the list for those joining in for this Republican was… Hal Daub. If Daub was really just planning on a Senate run, one would think he'd join his fellow GOPer for such an event.

But beyond the big article in the OWH (Hal Daub considers City Hall return, Senate bid – OWH – 12/3/06), word is that Hal IS up and running (beyond the "thinking about it" stages). And apparently Jessica Moenning (she of the catastrophic Ricketts campaign) is Daub's chief organizer/campaign manager in waiting (***Update - See Below***).

Of course, the question really is, Waiting for which? We here at Leavenworth Street still feel Daub would have a very difficult time with a third shot at the Senate. Sure he wouldn't be going up against a sitting Senator, as he'd done both of the last times. But there's no indication that those across the state have a warm and fuzzy feel for him now (and "former Omaha mayor" doesn't necessarily help him in the 3^rd District either…).

Now it's always possible that Attorney Jon Bruning could implode (and we don't discount that a bit), but absent that, Nebraskans state-wide are more likely to want a fresh face.

But what about Omahans? 2009 is a looooong ways away. In a few years, will the Qwest Center still be humming along? Will the other financial issues be fixed? Will people be talking about a trolley – another of Daub's ideas? Or will Omahans feel that Daub's day is over and also want new blood?

Since he's been gone, Daub's reputation as Mayor has probably grown, as many see the initiatives he pushed really flourishing. He’s probably remembered most for his boundless energy – and one unlikely to be found at, say, the Holiday Bar at 4pm on a Wednesday. His contentious relationship with the City Council came when it was run by those who opposed most of his moves. Now that it's a GOP majority, would that make it easier for him? But, again, who knows what it may look like in three years.

In any case, expect Daub, Vokal and Suttle to be very active around Omaha for the next few years. Their posturing will be worthy of runway models.

***Update-12/6/06***
Leavenworth Street has been contacted directly by Jessica Moenning, who has stated that she has NOT committed to managing or organizing for Hal Daub and has NOT had any communications with Daub regarding such an endeavor.
We apologize for the incorrect assertion.