A ''P.O.T.B.'' OR A ''K.I.T.A.'' FOR SENATOR CHUCK HAGEL
Date: Tuesday, April 19 @ 01:41:15 CDT
Topic: Politics


A short time ago, Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel made a early endorsement of Governor Dave Heineman's forthcoming bid to seek election to the seat to which he was elevated when former governor Mile Johanns resigned to accept the position of Secretary of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. I, like many, will be vigorously supporting Heineman's bid for election because I think he is probably the most qualified person to hold the position in the nearly four decades I have lived in the Cornhusker State. However, for me to make such a statement is one thing, but for Nebraska's senior Republican office holder to do so something else. Before I give the senator a verbal "K.I.T.A." (Kick in the Afterburner) there is more to the story you should know and I should consider.

Word has been received from two of my most trusted sources in the Nations's Capitol that Hagel might have been quietly influenced by Nancy Osborne to take the step he took in hopes it might dissuade her husband Tom's possible decision to get into the race. Many believe it was Nancy who coached Hagel to coach the former coach by letting him know the "prosperous party power players" might not be supportive of him confronting Heineman politically.

Folks who have seen congressman Tom in the last several months tell me bluntly Tom Osborne looks like he is in very poor health. They say if decides to stay in the political game, he would do well for himself and for Nebraska to go for another term in the House of Representatives (which he could win without campaigning much), and strive to get a "good farm bill" passed and give President George Bush his support, both finishing their careers in elective political office at the same time.

The overriding questions are whether or not Tom is physically up to a statewide campaign; whether or not Nancy will put her foot down and "just say NO", or whether or not Tom will decide on his own to spend more time fishing and enjoying "The Good Life."

Usually reliable sources have told me Tom and Nancy have purchased a new home northwest of Lincoln (In the First Congressional District) near a lake.

If indeed Chuck Hagel's motive was to look out for the future well-being of his congressional colleague, he deserves a "P.O.T.B." (Pat On The Back). It would, however, take such to overshadow the "K.I.T.A." he would most definitely deserve for bad judgment associated with his statement concerning his endorsing "able" Republican incumbents in contested primary elections.

The direction the G.O.P. at the state level has changed in its long standing policy of staying out of races where two or more Republicans are running against each other. For partisan races, that meant no endorsements in the primary elections. For non-partisan races, that meant no endorsements of one Republican over another even in general elections.

A frank discussion I had a short time ago with my long-time friend former Senator Mark Quandahl on the matter of the rule change revealed he is "uncomfortable" with the direction the party took on the matter before electing him as the State Chairman.

As a Republican, I believe, and Quandahl believes, our party should be the ultimate example of honesty, fair play and openness. We both would encourage every man or woman who has a desire to serve and is willing to file for an office and work for election as a Republican to do so. There will be more on the subject in days to come.

Perhaps when all the facts are known, Hagel should be given both a "P.O.T.B." and a "K.I.T.A." If he doesn't deserve the former, then the latter should be delivered with great force.





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