C'mon, senator, how about a little hint? Hagel (R-Ne) says no

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2835&u_sid=2343911

Published Thursday | March 8, 2007
C'mon, senator, how about a little hint? Hagel says no
BY JAKE THOMPSON
AND ROBYNN TYSVER
WORLD-HERALD BUREAU

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Hagel ducked questions today about what he'll say next week in Omaha, where he's expected to address whether he will take steps toward joining the 2008 presidential race.

Hagel, R-Neb., 60, long interested in the 2008 race, stuck to discussing congressional business in his weekly telephone press conference with Nebraska reporters.

"I'll make an announcement on my political future Monday in Nebraska," was all Hagel would say.

Asked if he would stay in the Republican Party, he said he would be happy to address the issue Monday.

A question about who might join him on the podium also drew a similar response.

"I'll see you guys on Monday," he said. "I just don't have anything more to say."

Hagel, the most outspoken conservative critic of President Bush's handling of the Iraq war, plans a 10 a.m. press conference at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, his alma mater.

The two-term senator has a number of options. He could:

• Launch a presidential campaign.

• File paperwork for a presidential exploratory committee.

• Set up an exploratory committee without making a full commitment to a presidential bid.

• Take a step toward the race but delay a formal decision until later.

• Decide not to run.

Hagel also might discuss whether he will seek re-election to a third Senate term next year.

Hagel's decision has been much anticipated for months and could trigger moves by other Nebraska politicians.

FULL story at link.

[nevergiveup]

1. Although I admire

his position on the war, he is otherwise very very conservative. As a Republican presidential candidate he is not going anywhere.

[Clark2008]

2. Don't be surprised - he's particularly popular amongst some

swing voters who may declare just to get him or Rudy.