Hagel still won't say whether he's a presidential candidate

[Omaha Steve]

I've been to busy the last few days to post. Sorry.

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2835&u_sid=2335444

Published Wednesday | February 21, 2007
Hagel still won't say whether he's a presidential candidate

BELLEVUE, Neb. (AP) - Sen. Chuck Hagel acknowledged today that many people already seem to assume he is intent on running for president in 2008.

"I get that reaction," Hagel said after making brief remarks and answering audience questions at Bellevue University. "I just take it as a compliment, appreciate that they would have that much confidence in me to kind of assume that."

The Nebraska Republican talked to reporters before addressing the audience of roughly 200, but did not hint at when he would make any announcement, saying only it would not come while he's in Nebraska this week.

"We'll make that decision one of these days, and I'll let you know," Hagel said.

The senator said he will meet with Gov. Dave Heineman, state senators and others this week while the U.S. Senate is on a break that started with Presidents Day.

Hagel did answer questions about Iraq, Iran, global warming and the United States' current place in the world.

[BOSSHOG]

1. I hope he gets in the race

so he and McCain can dust it up. It'd be nice to see McCain get his ass kicked by one of his own.

[rurallib]

2. As long as he gets outed for the winger he truly is.

[BOSSHOG]

3. He belongs in the gop

And his politics would be dragged through the mud so to speak in a general election if it came to that. But he would be useful in the gop primaries as a foil to the war mongers; taking the wind out of their sails so to speak.