Republican bid to take over the White House in 2012 is a dismal affair, with a slate of less-than-inspiring candidates doing more to demoralize conservatives than make a case to beat Obama, but the congressional races are looking pretty good for Republicans. It’s all but a given that Republicans will hold the Hosue, and in the Senate Democrats have to defend 23 seats that are up for re-election.
And a key incumbent in one of those seats just announced that he won’t be running for re-election.
Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska will announce today that he is retiring after two terms, a serious blow to Democratic efforts to hold on to their majority in the chamber next November.
Nelson is scheduled to hold a press conference back home in Nebraska as early as today to make his decision official, said several Democratic insiders close to the leadership.
Was it Ben Nelson who held out for the so-called Cornhusker Kickback in exchange for his vote for ObamaCare?
Concessions in that Cornhusker Kickback included a provision allowing states to restrict funding for abortions under certain circumstances, as well as a provision giving Nebraska 100 percent federal funding of the Medicaid expansion indefinitely into the future.
After all Harry Reid had already secured 100 percent funding for Medicaid in Nevada.
For all the other states the costs would be only about 15 cents on every $1 they receive from the federal government.
So, later, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 repealed and removed the Cornhusker Kickback.
Nelson voted against that reconciliation bill, but it was able to pass without his vote since reconciliation bills cannot be filibustered.
Clever Obama and Reid!
He was doomed and that is why he bailed!! This provides more hope for America.