The Hill: Hagel low on cash on hand, raising retirement issue

[Adlai Stevenson]

By Aaron Blake

Sen. Chuck Hagel’s (R-Neb.) year-end financial filing shows that he raised just $80,000 for his campaign committee in the final three months of 2006, bringing his cash on hand to $140,000 from $110,000.

As of his third-quarter filing, Hagel had the least cash on hand of the 33 senators up for reelection in 2008. The potential presidential candidate’s most recent filing shows he increased his campaign fundraising over the $20,000 he raised in the third quarter.

Political observers often use fundraising and cash-on-hand figures to speculate about whether members of Congress intend to seek reelection. The senator with the second-least cash after the third quarter, Sen. Wayne Allard (R-Colo.), is thus far the only one to announce he will not run again.

Unlike Allard, who was one of Democrats’ top three targets, Hagel appears unlikely to face a serious Senate challenge in 2008. He defeated now-Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) with 56 percent of the vote in 1996 and cruised to reelection in 2002 with 83 percent against token Democratic opposition.

At the same time, he has left open the possibility that he would retire, whether or not he would seek the presidency. Last week, he rebuffed a report that said he has assured the National Republican Senatorial Committee that he will seek reelection.

Spokesman Mike Buttry said Hagel’s campaign financial filings offer no clue about his future plans and emphasized Hagel’s fundraising through his political action committee, which raised more than $400,000 during the last cycle.

“I wouldn’t read anything into that,” Buttry said. “Sen. Hagel’s focus last year was on raising and contributing money from his PAC.”

Hagel recently has drawn attention for his harsh evaluation of the progress being made in Iraq. He is one of two Republican senators to sign on to a non-binding Democratic resolution criticizing President Bush’s plan to send 21,500 additional troops to Iraq.

http://www.hillnews.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Frontpage/013007/hagel.html

[Padfoot]

With such a paltry amount of cash how can he even begin to think about a presidential run, let alone another go at the Senate.  It seems odd that he would retire though given his relatively young age (he'll be 62 in 2008 which puts him just below the current average age) and the fact that he has only served two terms.  If he does retire, would Democrats have any chance of winning this seat?  Who would run from both sides?

[Adlai Stevenson]

Its thought that Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey and Scott Kleeb could be Democratic candidates.  The Republicans could run Congressman Lee Terry or Tom Osbourne.  Though former Governor Mike Johanns would seem to be the obvious candidate. 

[Bacon King]

With such a paltry amount of cash how can he even begin to think about a presidential run, let alone another go at the Senate. 

IIRC, you must start a new campaign commitee when moving from one office to another. The only time that campaign commitee funds transfer over is between House and Senate elections.

[Keystone Phil]

Didn't Hagel confirm that he is not seeking re-election and will not run for President earlier this month?

[JSojourner]

Its thought that Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey and Scott Kleeb could be Democratic candidates.  The Republicans could run Congressman Lee Terry or Tom Osbourne.  Though former Governor Mike Johanns would seem to be the obvious candidate. 

Osborne would be unbeatable.

[WalterMitty]

he is too much of an attention whore not to run again.

[Gabu]

Sen. Chuck Hagel’s (R-Neb.) year-end financial filing shows that he raised just $80,000 for his campaign committee in the final three months of 2006, bringing his cash on hand to $140,000 from $110,000.

Perhaps I'm missing something, but what crazy campaign math is involved in which 110 + 80 = 140?

[bullmoose88]

Sen. Chuck Hagel’s (R-Neb.) year-end financial filing shows that he raised just $80,000 for his campaign committee in the final three months of 2006, bringing his cash on hand to $140,000 from $110,000.

Perhaps I'm missing something, but what crazy campaign math is involved in which 110 + 80 = 140?

Probably some costs too (Staff etc)

[HardRCafé]

Osborne would be unbeatable.

Like last time?

[Gabu]

Sen. Chuck Hagel’s (R-Neb.) year-end financial filing shows that he raised just $80,000 for his campaign committee in the final three months of 2006, bringing his cash on hand to $140,000 from $110,000.

Perhaps I'm missing something, but what crazy campaign math is involved in which 110 + 80 = 140?

Probably some costs too (Staff etc)

I suppose.

It's still worded badly, in my opinion.

[JSojourner]

Osborne would be unbeatable.

Like last time?

Yep.  No democrat would ever beat him. 

[Verily]

Osborne would be unbeatable.

Like last time?

He wouldn't be running against a Republican this time.

But, I will hold out hope that the Republicans nominate a crazy person, allowing for Kleeb or Fahey to stand a chance.