CNN's Inside politics report that Rove offered Nelson (D. Ne) Sec of Agriculture..Rove is BRILLIANT

INside politics..CNN

[ken5050]

Judy (hmmm?) Woodruff just had a report that Karl Rove had offered Nebraska Sen Ben Nelson the post of Secretary of Agriculture. Nelson is up in 2006...and facing a hard race from popular GOP Gov Mike Johanns. Nelson is among the most conservative of Senate Dems..Does this make sense, because Nelson votes with the GOP on most of the key issues..?

[nikos1121]

If he takes the job, who takes his place? Would the Senator be assigned by the Governor. I think he's republican right?

nick

[graf008]

He's a politician...so I don't trust a word he says (although I'll give him some consideration).

I think he is retiring for what you said - and I am sure he is hated by members of his caucus.

[clintonh8r]

She flies to Boca Raton every weekend for therapy....

[maine-iac7]

according to TNR, Lieberman is a possibility to take over from Rumsfeld.

Pleases say you're jesting!

[nikos1121]

"I wouldn't say the Dems will be in the minority for the next ten years, though. We have at least two years - but I think the numbrs (as far as re-elections) are stacked in the Dems favor in 2006."

2006 could result in one or two net gains for us. There was posting today on this.

nick

[Howlin]

I think Rove is facing some possible defections from the GOP

Who?

[graf008]

You get dangerous when the Dems pull within 2 or 3 of control. Defections are bound to occur...or at least overtures. If the Senate remains as polarized as it is now, I could see severe infighting in the majority.

[Bluegrass Conservative]

Yes, Governor Johans is a Republican and he's interested in the Senator's job himself. He would probably appoint himself to the vacant seat and Lt. Governor Dave Heineman would become Governor for two years. I expect Tom Osborne would run for it then.

[SoDak]

Somehow or other, we ended up with a lot of mutual friends. And, I've met her several times. I could believe it, I guess, although I agree it's an outside chance. She owes a lot to Emily's List, and she is pro-abortion. It might notbe any great shakes to have her switch even, except that she'd add to the caucus totals.

[nikos1121]

Miller doesn't need to switch.

nick

[graf008]

Well - in 2006 he might. There are state level defections rumbling - nothing national level.

If the GOP picks up seats in 2006, then nothing. But if the Dems pick up - I'd expect Chafee to go. He's about as happy with the GOP as Miller is with the Dems.

[Howlin]

Bill Nelson, Head of NASA......

If for no other reason than to pi$$ off John Glenn. :-)

[graf008]

Of course here we say that ;P Over at DU I am sure they are aying the Dems will pick up 15 Senate seats in 2006.

[Howlin]

Rick Santorum is NOT going to lose his seat over Arlen Specter.

[EagleUSA]

Miller is 73 years old and I believe him when he says he is retiring to be with his family.
=====
Yes, true. But he would still be a great asset to the party since, retired or not, he remains a FIGHTER for what he believes in and RNC needs that badly.

[Howlin]

LOL at you HAHAHAAHAing.

[Right Wing Professor]

Either option seems a good bet for Nelson..If he runs as a Dem..it'd be hard race, no guarantee of winning, and even if he won..he'd only have another 6 years in the minority to look forward to..

Not just a hard race, either. Thanks to the actions of Nelson's administration while Governor, which a federal judge found to be in bad faith, Nebraska taxpayers have to pay a court settlement of $150m over three years (That's $150 for each of us). You can bet people will be reminded daily of that when Nelson runs for re-election.

[rampage8]

"I suggested this idea on an earlier post here two days ago: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1280539/posts (see #10) "

Impressive! I have a question though... can the Governor appoint himself to fill the Senate seat? Sounds odd. Gotta love Karl Rove!

[Howlin]

If he takes it this would be the perfect time to reign in the moderates

You mean in Congress?

[maine-iac7]

Kennedy type Dems

You ARE referring to John, not TeddyBoy, right>

;o)