With the confirmation, apparently from Mike Kennedy, that Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns will officially run for the United State Senate, the question becomes: will the other shoe drop?
And that Birkenstock sandal belongs to New York’s own Cosmic Bob Kerrey.
The question for Kerrey has always been, how easy will it be to become a U.S. Senator?
Will he really have to move his family out of New York City to Nebraska?
Will he be unopposed in a primary?
Will he have an easy race in the general?
Only Kerrey’s family and those close to him know the first answer. Kerrey would have to move to Nebraska – or at least have a residence in the state. But in theory, his wife and kindergarten age child wouldn’t have to.
Is that even contemplated? Who knows. But it’s not something to be taken lightly, ESPECIALLY if winning the race isn’t a slam dunk.
Then comes the question of a primary. Most likely the rest of the Dems will clear out if Rockin’ Bob jumps in. But there is the slight question of Tony Raimondo and his buckets of money that could make it more of a hassle for Kerrey. Would Raimondo get in? Could he scare Kerrey off? Unknown, but it just might affect Kerrey’s decision.
And then there is the little matter of former Lincoln Mayor, former Governor current Ag-Man, Mike Johanns. If Kerrey, with all his New York baggage, has polling showing Johanns taking the race hands-down, would Kerrey even bother dragging his family to Nebraska (just to move back to NYC)? That’s a big question.
So right now ignore the Robert Novaks of the world who have guaranteed that Kerrey gets in this race. He won’t be getting in to lose.
And that Birkenstock sandal belongs to New York’s own Cosmic Bob Kerrey.
The question for Kerrey has always been, how easy will it be to become a U.S. Senator?
Will he really have to move his family out of New York City to Nebraska?
Will he be unopposed in a primary?
Will he have an easy race in the general?
Only Kerrey’s family and those close to him know the first answer. Kerrey would have to move to Nebraska – or at least have a residence in the state. But in theory, his wife and kindergarten age child wouldn’t have to.Is that even contemplated? Who knows. But it’s not something to be taken lightly, ESPECIALLY if winning the race isn’t a slam dunk.
Then comes the question of a primary. Most likely the rest of the Dems will clear out if Rockin’ Bob jumps in. But there is the slight question of Tony Raimondo and his buckets of money that could make it more of a hassle for Kerrey. Would Raimondo get in? Could he scare Kerrey off? Unknown, but it just might affect Kerrey’s decision.
And then there is the little matter of former Lincoln Mayor, former Governor current Ag-Man, Mike Johanns. If Kerrey, with all his New York baggage, has polling showing Johanns taking the race hands-down, would Kerrey even bother dragging his family to Nebraska (just to move back to NYC)? That’s a big question.
So right now ignore the Robert Novaks of the world who have guaranteed that Kerrey gets in this race. He won’t be getting in to lose.
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15 comments:
I bet you're wondering how I can take this announcement as an opportunity to praise Pat Flynn. Well, it's easy. He's awesome.
The boring quotient for the Republican primary has risen exponentially with entry of Mike Johanns. Listening to the guy speak is like watching paint dry. Consumate politician and likely nomination winner...may have some trouble with beating Moonbeam Kerrey but would crush Fahey. Bruning did well today on the Laura Ingraham national radio show out of Omaha's KKAR. He may not be able to beat Johanns but he sure isn't boring. PS - Hal was napping to recover from his big announcement tour...LOL!!!
I say....
it would be nice to have Bob in the race...this way the dems will finally know they have absolutely negative pull in this state anymore when he gets thumped.
Hal Daub does not sleep...he waits.
When the Boogeyman goes to sleep at night, he checks his closet for Hal Daub.
Hal Daub has two speeds: Walk and Kill.
(I could go on ripping off Chuck Norris Facts, but I'll stop now.)
Keep in mind that Johanns won re-election as Governor in 2002, 69-27, a 42 point ultra-landslide. He even got about half the Democrat voters to vote for him, instead of opponent Stormy Dean.
If Harry promised Bob seniority over Ben in the Senate, you can bet Ben will push Tony to run against Bob. Ben would rather be senior to a GOP Mike, Hal or Jon than play second fiddle to a Dem Bob.
From the LJS today:
"Johanns and his wife, Stephanie, went house-hunting over the weekend when he was in Lincoln..."
So we have 2 former governors, neither of whom live and work in this state anymore, looking to run for Senate. Both have been working jobs on the East Coast. Both have been involved at the Federal level (Johanns as Ag Sec, Kerrey in various commissions including the 9/11 Commission). Both were highly supported in this state.
Difference, other than party? Kerrey finished his term before leaving, while Johanns left the position he was elected to so he could move to DC. Also, Kerrey is a decorated vet (Medal of Honor).
Interesting choice.
Anony,
Nice try.
Some interesting brain drain elements in this race.
But I think the story is much easier to tell for Johanns. He's been in DC representing Nebraska's Ag interests. Inherent in the job to remember the people you're serving.
Unlike Kerrey who's been off in NYC thinking deep academic thoughts and studying up to get divinity credentials.
I have to agree with "ks ne." None the less, it will sure be fun to watch everything play out. Is anyone aware of timeline for Johanns' departure/announcement?
So who is going to run the Johanns race - David Kramer, Mike Kennedy, or Vicki Powell? This is an interesting crew.
I think Cosmic Bob is going to be a no-show at next years rodeo. Out of Gate No. 3...comes that hottie cow-hand Scott Kleeb riding "Lost Cause."
Puts Kleeb between a rock and a hard place. Way to take one for the party Scott. All these Republicans wanting to be a senator has to be making "Earmark Bennie's" future seem a little shaky too.
Inquiring Mind,
It's our understanding that Vicki Powell will be managing the Johanns campaign.
Vicky Powell? Didn't he see the debacle that was the Osborne campaign? Wow, I thought he was smarter than that.
President Bush didn't seem very excited about Johanns in the press conference. Sort of a here's a good guy jumping ship speech.
AP Nate Jenkins has an interesting story about Bruning this morning. Seems someone questioned Bruning's making of political hay about the North Platte/Lexington gas gouging this summer. Jenkins goes into great detail about how Bruning handled it but he fails to name the person questioning Bruning's actions. Hmmmmm?
KGFW's Talk of The Town is running a computer poll this morning asking who Thirdies were favoring in the Senate Primary...Bruning still stands above the contenders with an hour of polling left...even in the shadow of Johanns announcement. Callers aren't too happy with Johanns performance as AGSEC.
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