Ex-Sen. Kerrey won't seek Nelson's Nebraska seat

OMAHA, Neb.- Former Sen. Bob Kerrey says he won't seek the Democratic nomination to replace retiring Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska.

Kerrey's announcement Tuesday shuts down hopes for a bid both parties called Democrats' best chance to hold on to the seat. Kerrey himself had described it as a longshot.

The 1992 presidential candidate and former Nebraska governor moved to New York City after giving up his seat. He spent nearly a week in Nebraska this month to seek advice about whether to run in a state that's drifted ideologically away from him since he left.

Nelson's decision not to seek another term this year came as a boon to Republicans, who must net four seats to retake the Senate. And they've prioritized capturing the lone Democratic seat in Nebraska's congressional delegation.