Kerrey won't run for Nebraska seat

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Former Sen. Bob Kerrey says he won't seek the Democratic nomination to replace retiring Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska.

Kerrey's announcement Tuesday shuts down hopes for a bid both parties called Democrats' best chance to hold on to the seat.  Kerrey himself had described it as a longshot.

The 1992 presidential candidate and former Nebraska governor moved to New York City after giving up his seat. He spent nearly a week in Nebraska this month to seek advice about whether to run in a state that's drifted ideologically away from him since he left.

Nelson's decision not to seek another term this year came as a boon to Republicans, who must net four seats to retake the Senate. And they've prioritized capturing the lone Democratic seat in Nebraska's congressional delegation.


(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)