Democrats hoping to add to their slim 51-49 majority in the U.S. Senate next year were dealt a rare setback on Wednesday when former Nebraska Sen. Bob Kerrey decided against running for the seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel. 
 
Republicans must defend 22 seats next year and many political experts are forecasting that Democrats could pick up a few seats. Nebraska has been seen as a possible pickup since the state’s other senator is a Democrat, Ben Nelson.
 
“The reason is simple enough: For my family and me now is not the time for me to re-enter politics as a candidate,” Kerrey said. He has a wife and three children, one of whom was born the day before the Sept. 11 attacks. 

Kerrey, who is president of New York’s New School and was an active member of the 9/11 Commission, said while he was opting against a Senate bid, he was not swearing off politics.
 
“I am deeply troubled about the direction of our country,” he said in the statement. “For my part I will continue to engage in the public issues of the day and to serve in ways that contribute to the solution of public problems.”

Former Bush administration Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns is the biggest name so far among Republicans running but is facing a primary challenge from the state’s Attorney General Jon Bruning and a businessman Pat Flynn.
 
“Any Democrat considering a run in a red state like Nebraska against Republican heavyweights like Sec. Johanns and Jon Bruning has to be more than a little intimidated — even someone like Bob Kerrey,” said Rebecca Fisher, spokeswoman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
 
Other Democrats considering a bid for the seat include Mike Fahey, Omaha’s mayor, and Scott Kleeb who ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2006. 

“While Nebraska Republicans are locked in a nasty primary, we look forward to the Democratic Party fielding a strong nominee who can provide the change Nebraskans are demanding,” said Matthew Miller, spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

– Photo credit: Larry Downing (Kerrey at a 9/11 Commission meeting in the Senate)