OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Former Sen. Bob Kerrey says he won’t seek the Democratic nomination to replace retiring Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska.
Kerrey’s announcement Tuesday shuts down hopes for a bid both parties called Democrats’ best chance to hold on to the seat.
Kerrey himself had described it as a longshot.
The 1992 presidential candidate and former Nebraska governor moved to New York City after giving up his seat. He spent nearly a week in Nebraska this month to seek advice about whether to run in a state that’s drifted ideologically away from him since he left.
Nelson’s decision not to seek another term this year came as a boon to Republicans, who must net four seats to retake the Senate.
And they’ve prioritized capturing the lone Democratic seat in Nebraska’s congressional delegation.