Rumors, Trends and Pressure

Some interesting tidbits for your Saturday afternoon:

Nebraska: A local Nebraska blog is picking on up Hagel camp insiders saying that Chuck Hagel not only won't run for President in 2008, but also won't run for re-election to the Senate in 2008. There doesn't seem to be anything on the newswires yet, but Daily Kos, Political Insider, and Swing State Project have all picked up on it. It certainly would be preferable to contend for an open seat rather than face a popular veteran incumbent, so let's keep scoping the news for any official word.

Missouri: Political Insider also picks up on Wonkette reporting rumors that Republican Kit Bond is "planning on resigning from the Senate in order to become the new head of the University of Missouri." While GOP Gov. Matt Blunt would make a GOP appointment (possibly himself), it would force a special election in 2008 to finish out the term, creating another pickup opportunity. Stay tuned there.

Minnesota: The Southwest Journal is suggesting that Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak is, in fact, not planning a 2008 Senate run, and that his recent meetings with Al Franken were to discuss Franken's potential challenge to Republican Norm Coleman.

Colorado: The Associated Press takes a look at possible permutations of match-ups if Wayne Allard does not run for re-election. Former quarterback John Elway might be the best chance the Colorado GOP has!

Massachusetts: The Bay State's Congressional delegation is getting itchy and wants Senator John Kerry to make up his mind about 2008 plans soon. The explicit focus is on Presidential plans, but the implicit focus is on Senate re-election plans.

Oregon: The Associated Press offers a look at OR-Dems' trend up.

Kansas: And the Washington Post offers a look at KS-GOP's trend down.