Published 5/12/2007
The 2008 Senate election is a year and a half away, but candidates are already beginning to ponder running.
Robynn Tysver
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
Omaha World-Herald
Former Omaha Mayor Hal Daub appears ready to take a step forward next week toward a possible 2008 run for the U.S. Senate
Daub has scheduled a press conference for Tuesday outside the Benson Community Center to announce his political plans. Daub previously has said he was interested in running for Senate if Sen. Chuck Hagel, a fellow Republican, did not seek a third term
In a statement issued Friday, Daub, 65, said he would not answer questions until after the press conference
Daub could announce the establishment of an exploratory committee, which would allow him to begin raising money for a possible bid
A decision earlier this spring by Attorney General Jon Bruning to set up an exploratory committee for a Senate campaign may be pressuring Daub and others to follow suit. Bruning, a Republican, has been raising money for about two months
Hagel has said he expects to decide later this year whether to run for re-election to a third term, run for the presidency or retire from public office
The potential of an open Senate seat has attracted the interest of several people. Daub and Bruning are among a half-dozen Republicans who are considering running
Bruning, however, is the only one who has said he may challenge Hagel in a GOP primary
Other possible GOP contenders include U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, Columbus businessman Tony Raimondo, former State Sen. Kermit Brashear and U.S. Reps. Lee Terry and Jeff Fortenberry
Possible Democratic candidates include Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey and former 3rd Congressional District candidate Scott Kleeb.