Hoeven NOT running for U.S. Senate!

[nickshepDEM]

Shewwwwwwwwwwww.

BISMARCK, N.D.

Gov. John Hoeven said Friday he will not challenge U.S. Sen. Kent Conrad next year, depriving Republicans of someone they considered their strongest candidate against the Democratic incumbent.

"A day may come when we ask the people of North Dakota to allow us to serve them in a different capacity, but that time is not now," Hoeven said Friday in a brief statement issued by his office.

"The outpouring of support and encouragement I have received to run for the United States Senate is truly humbling, but as I have said, repeatedly, I am focused squarely on the job of governor," Hoeven said.

The governor could not be reached immediately for further comment.

Republicans have been attempting to push Hoeven into a race against Conrad, who is seeking re-election in 2006. Conrad was first elected to the Senate in 1986, upsetting Republican Mark Andrews.

Since Conrad's victory, North Dakota's congressional delegation has been entirely Democratic.

http://www.in-forum.com/ap/index.cfm?page=view&id=D8CUPRMG1

[CatholicEdHead]

1. Who will the ND GOP run instead?

They must be betting they can pick up a seat(s) somewhere else in the country (e.g. Dayton's seat).

It must be better for the GOP to keep Hoeven in his current position.

[TheVirginian]

4. No one.

Conrad's seat will go pratically unchallenged. And the GOP wanted Hoeven to run, but Hoeven himself decided not to. It wasn't a calculation by the Republican Party for him not to run.

[Qanisqineq]

2. Yay!

To me this statement sounds like he is already conceding that Conrad will win:

"A day may come when we ask the people of North Dakota to allow us to serve them in a different capacity, but that time is not now," Hoeven said Friday.

Who is "we"? The republicans? Ha, good riddance.

[geek tragedy]

3. Great news.

Wise choice by Hoeven--it's no fun going up against The Chainsaw, who runs like he's 20 points behind in every race.

[rmgustaf]

5. There's been some speculation

by Republicans that Hoeven has still left the door open for a run in 2006 (Scott Hennon on Hot Talk; Lloyd Ohmdahl in The Forum). But it doesn't seem likely - Hoeven can't beat Conrad. The rumors I heard was that in a straw poll the Reps did, Hoeven was 10 points behind Conrad already.

[Qanisqineq]

6. Welcome to DU rmgustaf!

:hi:

Even if Conrad is ahead in a straw poll, I would still be pretty nervous with him running against Hoeven. It sounds like Hoeven is well liked but I moved out of ND shortly before he was elected governor so I have no idea what he's like except that he's republican.