Bruning officially enters Nebraska Senate contest

Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning (R) yesterday made his candidacy for Senate official, becoming the first to enter the race officially and setting up a potential primary with Sen. Chuck Hagel (R).

In announcing his bid, Bruning criticized Hagel’s support for Iraq withdrawal and the Senate immigration bill.
“Nebraskans want a leader who will stand with our troops and military commanders, who will enforce our laws and secure our borders,” Bruning said.

{mosads}Most other candidates are waiting for Hagel, who has yet to decide whether to run for president and for the Senate. Bruning at first said he would defer to Hagel.

The brewing feud between the two led to another strong response from Hagel.

“For Jon Bruning, who has never served his country in uniform, to question Chuck Hagel’s commitment to the troops is an insult to the troops and to the intelligence of the people of Nebraska,” Hagel political director Kevin Chapman said. “Mr. Bruning is in over his head.”

Regardless of Hagel’s candidacy, Republicans appear headed for a contested primary, as former Rep. Hal Daub (R) and businessman Tony Raimondo also are exploring bids.

Daub, who is touring the state to gather feedback, is a friend of Hagel’s but has left open the possibility of facing him in the primary; Raimondo has said he will not challenge Hagel.

On the Democratic side, Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey and former Sen. Bob Kerrey are both considered potential candidates.
Neither will run if Hagel does. Former 3rd district candidate Scott Kleeb is also a possibility.