Hagel's decision means '08 GOP field stays at 9
Watch Sen. Hagel announce his decision to retire.
WASHINGTON (CNN) - Sen. Chuck Hagel’s decision Monday not to make a run for the White House means the Republican field will stay at nine candidates for now.
“I’m here with my family to announce I will not seek re-election,” the Republican two-term Senator from Nebraska said at a news conference in Omaha, adding “nor will I be a candidate for any office in 2008.”
Hagel, who is one of his party’s most vocal critics of the Bush Administration’s handling of the Iraq War, had flirted earlier this year with the possibility of making a bid for the presidency.
But Hagel said his commitments as a senator was one reason he decided not to run for the White House.
- CNN Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser
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Good Riddance!!
Isn't it remarkable that so many moderate Republicans – such as Hagel and Warner – are bailing out. Two possible reasons: they think 2008 will be a Republican disaster (which it will be) and/or they no longer wish to be associated with such a sleezy war-mad party.
Thanks for "dropping out before you dropped in", Chuck...you shot off you mouth early, thne, couldn't back it up. Likely you realized that your words were more shallow than you! As a Nebraskan, I am GLAD to see you calling it quits!
But would he consider being a running mate for Barack Obama, how dynamic would that be for a country struggling to redefine itself after the Bush/Cheney debacle and all the damage that has been done.
I admire Senator Hagel for having the courage to speak his mind, knowing it would upset the republican party and the folks back home in the RED state of Nebraska like any other RED state where you have to think like they think, act like they act & believe like they believe or you are unamerican & not a christian.
If he leaves Republican party, he will be best fit as VP candidate for the democratic nominee!
What a shame! What a dog gone shame!
He's one of the very few politicians who speaks from the heart...The Best!
Senator, you should have stayed around for awhile, you are a true oddity. Republican, telling the truth and willing to stand up for what is right. Your campaign would have been interesting, but thank God I think our country is finally trying to wake up. You could still make a great contribution to your country, write a check to Hillarys campaign.
The title is a bit iffy.
Hagel was going to run as an Independent, not under a GOP ticket.
When a young republican senator resigns, there's problems. 🙁