cognitivedissonance:

Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) is set to announce on Tuesday that he will retire in 2012, a Democratic source has confirmed to TPM.

Nelson was already probably the most vulnerable Democratic incumbent going into 2012, and Republicans and GOP-aligned groups were already advertising against him.

Holding this seat could be difficult for Democrats, as the state voted 57%-42% for John McCain in 2008, and has not voted Democratic for president since the 1964 Lyndon Johnson landslide.

Nelson’s retirement was first reported by Politico.

Considering he was more Republican than Democrat, I’m not too broken up by this. However, Nebraskans should be careful they don’t wind up with a Tea Party acolyte. 

Bob Kerrey is indeed considering running for Ben Nelson’s Senate seat, @NBCNews reports. - @MAlexJohnson

ericmortensen:

Ron Paul:

“The selection of a reality television personality to host a presidential debate that voters nationwide will be watching is beneath the office of the Presidency and flies in the face of that office’s history and dignity.”

Jon Huntsman:

“We have declined to participate in the ‘Presidential Apprentice’ Debate with The Donald. The Republican Party deserves a serious discussion of the issues so voters can choose a leader they trust to defeat President Obama and turn our economy around.”

The other candidates seem to be all too happy to engage with Trump. 

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, businessman Herman Cain and Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann have all met with “The Apprentice” host at least once. On Thursday, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said he would be meeting with Trump on Monday.