Is Nelson Running for Something?

Is U.S. Senator Ben Nelson running for some other office we don’t know about?

Is there a reason he’s teetering from side to side on THE major political question of the day?

On the President’s plan to send 21,000 more troops to Iraq, guess where Senator Chuck Hagel stands?

“The most dangerous foreign policy blunder in this country since Vietnam.”
You may agree or disagree with Hagel’s stance, but there’s no doubt about understanding his position.

How about Rep. Lee Terry?
“I support the President's plan.”

Rep. Jeff Fortenberry?
“It seems reasonable and prudent.”

Rep. Adrian Smith – just got to DC:
“I support this effort.”

Heck, let’s go across the river and see what ol’ Sen. Tom Harkin thinks:
“The wrong strategy.”

None of these elected representatives to the United States Congress has any problem telling you where they stand regarding the top issue of the day.

But Ben Nelson? Well let’s see:

He is "not convinced that sending in an additional 21,000 troops will quell the sectarian violence or stabilize Baghdad."

While "trying to maintain an open mind" on that question, Nelson said, he cannot ignore the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group and senior military leaders who have argued that sending more U.S. troops is not the answer.

Nelson said he agrees with the president's approach to establish benchmarks for progress by the Iraqis. That's a strategy Nelson has long advocated as "conditions for staying" in Iraq. (Hagel says Bush strategy is wrong-headed - LJS - 1/11/07.)

Uh…what?

Senator, the campaign is over.
Hop down and take a position. It's what you were elected to do.