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Alex Wong / Getty Images file
U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) (C) answers questions from the media after he met with fellow Senate Democrats on a deal on payroll tax cut that has been struck with the Senate Republicans December 16, 2011 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The Senate Democrats and Republicans have reached to a deal to extend the payroll tax cut holiday for two months.
First Read has confirmed, per a high-ranking Democratic source, that Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson, D, will NOT seek re-election in 2012.
Due to some tough polling numbers for Nelson, Democrats already had a pretty good chance of losing this seat next year. But Nelson's decision not to seek re-election makes it harder to keep the seat in the red state of Nebraska.
Facing a tough re-election next year, Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson has announced that he will retire at the end of his current term. NBC's Mark Murray dicsusses how this could affect the balance of power in the Senate.
*** UPDATE *** That is, if the Democrats can't find a top-notch recruit. The same high-ranking Democratic source tells NBC News that former Nebraska Sen. Bob Kerrey, D, is considering a run with Nelson's seat open.
And the source sends this shot at the conservative Nelson, who often voted with Republicans: "He will be the least missed member of the Democratic caucus next year."
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Good riddance! The United States Senate and the Democratic Party is better off without Ben Nelson as a member of either body. Nelson was the epitome ofn a DINOsaur (Democrat In Name Only), and we all know that DINOs are extinct. Nelson made a mockery of the democratic and legislative processes with his endless pandering and refusal to embrace the principles that was elected to uphold. Any candidate for the Senate from Nebraska will be a far better alternative to Mr. Nelson, a man dedicated to protecting the status quo of the super-rich one percent. http://www.sunstateactivist.org
You're absolutely right. He should be replaced by a moderate Republican. Someone in rubber boots and leather gloves.
It's about time...one step closer for republicans to take over the Senate....so long Harry....come 2012 you'll be the MINORITY....looking in.......too bad so sad.
Tax Payers are tired of Obama and the democrats bilking so they can go on a spending spree.....Pelosi and her 10,000 a night hotel...Obama his 4 million dollar vacations.....
American Taxpayers have had enough and we are going to say JUST SAY NO ...TO democrats and Obama in November of 2012.
The republicans will miss his vote and support.
So its not all bad?