OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson survived nearly two decades representing heavily Republican Nebraska by carving a distinctive path down the political center.
But with that road becoming more difficult in today’s polarizing political climate, Nelson is stepping away – and swinging the door wide open for the GOP.
Nelson announced Tuesday that he wouldn’t seek a third term. The former two-term governor is the lone Democrat in Nebraska’s five-member congressional delegation.
The 70-yaer-old conservative Democrat was facing a tough campaign against several Republican challengers who’ve spent several months attacking his support for President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul and federal stimulus legislation.
Democrats lamented Nelson’s decision to retire, fearing it sets up the GOP for an easy victory. Republicans must net only four seats to take back the Senate in 2012.