March 12, 2007
Hagel Not Running... For Now
Explaining that he wanted to keep his "focus on helping find a responsible way out of" the "tragedy" in Iraq, Sen. Chuck Hagel announced he would not join the Republican slate of White House hopefuls. However, the two-term senior senator from Nebraska seemed to leave the door open to running, adding that he and his family would "make a decision on my political future later this year."
With the early start of this presidential contest, an announcement just before 2008 seems late, but historically, it's just about right. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is not set to announce his intentions until this fall, even though dyed-in-the-wool conservatives are clamoring for him to enter the race.
Speaking before reporters at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Hagel said he would "offer new initiatives" on such issues as national security, climate change, Social Security reform and health care this year. "I want to give these and other subjects my full intention over the next few months," Hagel said, adding that it would be "in the interests of my Nebraska constituents."
UPDATE: Hotline has the entirety of Hagel's speech.
Posted at 11:05 AM
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Chuck Hagel, Republicans, WH 2008
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