I'm having a difficult time understanding why Bob Kerrey and his supporters think it would be a good idea for him to run for Ben Nelson's Senate seat. Perhaps one of you can explain it to me.
This isn't about Kerrey's politics. Rather, why would anybody think that Nebraskans would vote for a man who hasn't lived in the state for over a decade? I suppose it's not unprecedented that we would do such a thing. The 3rd District elected Lincolnite Tom Osborne, after all. Apparently popularity can trump residence concerns. But Bob Kerrey is no Tom Osborne. Tom Osborne was a statewide hero of epic proportions who never really left the 3rd District in many folks' eyes. Bob Kerrey completely bailed out on Nebraska and hasn't looked back until this current bit of opportunism arose.
I wonder who is pushing the idea that Kerrey should run. Is he crazy enough to believe it's a good idea? If so, that ought to disqualify him right off the bat. (Not that insanity has ever stopped a politician.) Perhaps a core team of advisers has suggested it's wise. Or maybe it's all the state Democratic Party. Surely they're desperate so they'll probably say just about anything to get him to come back.
If he does run, expect some entertaining -- if childish -- attack ads. They've already started, in fact, complete with petty name-calling. Wouldn't it be nice if it were required to have an emotional maturity greater than that of a 3rd grader before running a political ad?
Anyway, I ask all of you: other than instant, statewide name recognition, why would anybody think that Bob Kerry running for office in Nebraska is a good idea?
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I think it’s a horrible idea, and I voted for him several times for Governor and Senator. I even have an autographed campaign poster that he signed to me “from Uncle Bob.” (not really my uncle).
I fully agree with your analysis, and think it would be bad for him to run, and even worse if he somehow got elected.
As to Tom Osborne, two points: he hadn’t left the state, and he did always have a residence in the 3rd district. When not in Lincoln, it was not uncommon to find him at Lake Mac in Keith County, which is definitely 3rd district. I guess I view that differently than someone that moves away and comes back just to run for office.
A state-wide hero? for what, being a football coach, or a somewhat annoying nanny to the adults of this state? If anyone was a state-wide hero, I would put that more on Kerry than on Osborn. As for moving back to run for office, again, so what? He’s from NE, he was the governor for cripes sake.
Yeah, a former governor who’s been completely disassociated from the state for the 10+ years he’s been gone. Carpetbagger, pure and simple. Sure, he can move back to the state and run. Why anyone would vote for a such a person to represent them, is beyond me.
Where they lived shouldn’t be a concern. Maybe bringing in people to present new ideas is better overall.
* statewide
* Kerrey
* Osborne
* cripe’s
/I hate to be “that guy” but if they are heroes, the spelling of their names should be easier.
Bringing back a 68-year old guy that was already a Governor and multi-term Senator is “presenting new ideas?”
Wow.
Strom Thurmond approves of this message (yes, I know he’s no longer living).
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