Johanns Nabs Chamber Endorsement
On Thursday, the US Chamber of Commerce endorsed former Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns in his race to replace retiring Republican Senator Chuck Hagel. The endorsement comes as no surprise as Johanns has been known as a tax cutter and a free trader. His opponents, on the other hand, look to government for solutions to the world’s problems. Both would be likely to repeal the Bush tax cuts and would look to increase regulations rather than freeing businesses to create jobs in America.
The endorsement is also politically astute. When he entered the race, Johanns managed to force out not only his fellow Republicans, but also Democrat heavy hitter former Sen. Bob Kerrey. Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey dropped out shortly thereafter, meaning that Democrats had to turn to Congressional race loser Scott Kleeb. Kleeb has since disappointed them as a candidate so much that they are trying to stop him with someone who was a Republican just a few months ago.
Democrats are in disarray, and Johanns continues to coast. They had hoped to make this one competitive, but you can turn out the lights. This one’s over.
May 5th, 2008 at 12:31 am
While I do think Johanns probably forced out Kerrey, who may or may not have run anyway, Fahey was never going to run. Also, the Dems didn’t recruit Raimondo because they were disappointed in Kleeb. Raimondo is running as a Dem because it’s the easier path to the nomination–he’s said he would have run as a Republican had Johanns not entered. So I wouldn’t really call the Dems in disarray. Kleeb is a big underdog, but he won’t be a cake walk for Johanns.