Omaha Mayor Decides Not To Run For Nebraska Senate Seat

Two down, one to go.

Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey (D) decided against running for the Senate seat of retiring Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.), according to the Omaha World-Herald, leaving Democrats empty-handed as they continue to search for a nominee.

Fahey told the paper that he wanted to focus on his priorities as mayor, in particular securing a contract for the College World Series to remain in Omaha.

"All the things I have on my plate, at this time, there are large items that need to be completed," Fahey said. "And, I didnt think it would be fair to the people who elected me, if I left in midstream to go campaign."

Fahey was the party’s top choice after former Democratic Sen. Bob Kerrey opted not to run against for his old seat, instead remaining as president of the New School.

The leading Democratic candidate left is rancher Scott Kleeb, who held Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) to 55 percent of the vote in a heavily Republican district last year.

Former Nebraska governor Mike Johanns and state Attorney General Jon Bruning are the leading candidates vying for the Republican nomination.