Johanns Clears Way To Campaign For Nebraska Seat

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns no longer has to be coy about his political ambitions. President Bush announced this morning that Johanns is stepping down from the Cabinet, clearing the way for a Senate bid in Nebraska.

Johanns, who served as Nebraska’s governor from 1999-2005, joins a crowded Republican primary field in the race to replace retiring GOP Sen. Chuck Hagel. Attorney General Jon Bruning has been in the race for months, former congressman and Omaha Mayor Hal Daub just jumped in, and several prominent Nebraska businessmen are also considering bids.