Jane Kleeb comments on Senator Nelson's retirement

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by Jordan Shefte

Story Created: Dec 28, 2011 at 6:39 PM CDT

Story Updated: Dec 28, 2011 at 6:39 PM CDT

On Tuesday, Senator Ben Nelson made an announcement that he would not be running for re-election. This decision could pose challenges for the democrats to maintain Senate control.

Wednesday, News 5's Jordan Shefte sat down with a well-known Democrat here in Central Nebraska - BOLD Nebraska's Jane Kleeb - to find out what she thinks Nelson's retirement means for Democrats.

She said that Democrats face a challenging race ahead, but said that in the state of Nebraska, this is not unusual, and it would have been a struggle even for Senator Nelson to be re-elected.

However Kleeb did say that there are a number of qualified potential candidates that would be capable of filling the seat.

The three candidates that Jane mentioned were former Lieutenant Governor Kim Robak, District 12 Senator Steve Lathrop, and Lincoln Mayor Chris Buetler.

One other possible candidate she was excited about? Senator Bob Kerrey.

"He would make it an interesting race. Having him back here would be a game changer, not only for Democrats, 'cause I think it would really energize a lot of Democrats and help in some down ballot races, but it would shine a really bright national light on our state and I think that that would be a very good thing," said Kleeb.

She said that whoever does decide to run will have a late start in a competitive race.

When asked whether or not she is considering running for Nelson's seat, Jane said that now is not the right time.

She also mentioned that her husband, Scott Kleeb, is not considering running either.

However she did say that she is not ruling out the possibility of politics in her future.

"I absolutely do want to serve in the unicameral, it's been something that I've been talking with folks for a couple years about, so you know maybe in 2012 I'll run for Senator Utters former seat, or maybe it will be four years down the road, we'll have to see," Kleeb said.

The other candidates in GOP primary the field are Attorney General Jon Bruining, State Treasurer Don Stenberg, District 43 Senator Deb Fischer, and investment adviser Pat Flynn.

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