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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| Democratic Senator Ben Nelson to retire | Democratic Senator Ben Nelson to retire |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| Democratic Senator Ben Nelson will not seek re-election next year - in a blow to efforts by President Barack Obama's party to keep control of the chamber. | |
| Sen Nelson, 70, was facing a tough campaign for a third term in the Republican-leaning Mid-west state of Nebraska in November 2012. | Sen Nelson, 70, was facing a tough campaign for a third term in the Republican-leaning Mid-west state of Nebraska in November 2012. |
| Republicans viewed the conservative Democrat as vulnerable because of his vote for Mr Obama's health reform. | |
| A net gain of four seats would give Republicans control of the Senate. | A net gain of four seats would give Republicans control of the Senate. |
| Sen Nelson said in a web video on Tuesday: "While I relish the opportunity to undertake the work that lies ahead, I also feel it's time for me to step away from elective office, spend more time with my family and look for new ways to serve our state and nation. | Sen Nelson said in a web video on Tuesday: "While I relish the opportunity to undertake the work that lies ahead, I also feel it's time for me to step away from elective office, spend more time with my family and look for new ways to serve our state and nation. |
| "Therefore, I am announcing today that I will not seek re-election. Simply put, it is time to move on." | "Therefore, I am announcing today that I will not seek re-election. Simply put, it is time to move on." |
| Scramble for replacement | Scramble for replacement |
| Although Sen Nelson's conservative voting record has irked liberals in his party over the years, he supported the president's healthcare reforms - and his ratings suffered as a result. | Although Sen Nelson's conservative voting record has irked liberals in his party over the years, he supported the president's healthcare reforms - and his ratings suffered as a result. |
| The departure will cause a political headache for the Democratic party, which has spent more than $1m in an effort to shore up his profile. They must now scramble to find a replacement candidate. | The departure will cause a political headache for the Democratic party, which has spent more than $1m in an effort to shore up his profile. They must now scramble to find a replacement candidate. |
| Former Senator Bob Kerrey has been mentioned as a potential substitute, although he has not said whether he would enter the race. | Former Senator Bob Kerrey has been mentioned as a potential substitute, although he has not said whether he would enter the race. |
| The Republican field is led by state Attorney General Jon Bruning. | The Republican field is led by state Attorney General Jon Bruning. |
| Democrats currently hold 51 Senate seats, while Republicans control 47, and there are two independents. | Democrats currently hold 51 Senate seats, while Republicans control 47, and there are two independents. |
| While 23 Democratic-held seats are up for grabs next year, Republicans have to defend only 10. | While 23 Democratic-held seats are up for grabs next year, Republicans have to defend only 10. |
| Democratic incumbents in Ohio, Missouri, Florida and Pennsylvania are also seen as vulnerable. | Democratic incumbents in Ohio, Missouri, Florida and Pennsylvania are also seen as vulnerable. |