Friday, December 03, 2004

Shuffling the Deck in Nebraska Senate Race

Shuffling the Deck in Nebraska Senate Race

"Among a dozen names emerging as prospective GOP Senate candidates in the wake of Johanns' departure are Reps. Tom Osborne and Lee Terry, Congressman-elect Jeff Fortenberry, Attorney General Jon Bruning and Republican State Chairman David Kramer.

Osborne is viewed as a more likely gubernatorial candidate in 2006, having previously signaled his interest in pursuing the post. But Heineman's elevation also changes that dynamic, raising the prospect of an incumbent Republican governor seeking election two years from now instead of an opening in the governorship."

Tom Osborne is the 800 pound gorilla in all this. Any job he wants he gets; reports are he doesn't like Washington. But the dynamic changes from an open governor's race - Johanns was term-limited - to a challenge to an relatively new incumbent. The GOP can hold the governor's seat with almost anyone... my guess is Bush is already trying to talk The Coach into taking on Ben Nelson.

Second guess: Johanns is being disingenuous with this "dream job" thing and will bail on Ag in a year or so for the Senate race. I'm waiting for the Sherman Statement...

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