So far, Bob Kerrey’s bid for a Senate comeback hasn’t been much of a comeback at all.

With a national pedigree, a measure of celebrity and a long relationship with Nebraska voters, Kerrey was supposed to give Democrats a real shot at holding on to the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Ben Nelson.

Instead, Kerrey trails badly in the polls as he heads into a pair of key debates. His opponent is previously little known GOP state Sen. Deb Fischer.

Democratic strategist Chris Lehane says Kerry’s facing a difficult environment because Nebraska’s a deeply Republican state. He says that any Democrat, no matter their name, would struggle to win in the state.