Hagel Says He Would Consider Presidential Run as an Independent

[ProSense]

Hagel Says He Would Consider Presidential Run as an Independent

By Nicholas Johnston

May 4 (Bloomberg) -- Republican Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska said he would consider entering the 2008 presidential campaign as an independent.

An independent bid ``is possible,'' Hagel, 60, said in an interview with Bloomberg Television's ``Political Capital with Al Hunt,'' scheduled to air today. ``I don't ever foreclose any options.'' He will decide in the next few months whether to run for a third Senate term, pursue the presidency or leave politics altogether, he said.

On Iraq, Hagel was one of two Senate Republicans who voted for legislation -- vetoed by President George W. Bush earlier this week -- to withdraw U.S. troops from the Middle Eastern country. Hagel laid out certain conditions for him to be able to support a compromise to end the debate.

He said he would ``seriously'' consider a Democratic proposal to fund the war temporarily. It further must require that troops sent to Iraq are fully trained and equipped and have sufficient time between deployments, he said.

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No games and gimmicks, set a deadline, cut funding, end the war!

[Rosemary2205]

1. You really have to wonder about the Republican party when

when a conservative voter like Chuck Hagel is thinking about going Indy.

[AlCzervik]

2. i guess thats why he was having a sit down with Mayor Bloomberg the other night.

will Bloomberg help fund him or run with him?

[BuyingThyme]

3. If he tries to split the vote, they'll probably *** him.

[BlooInBloo]

4. (shrug) We've got a strong line-up, they don't. Hagel running = Democrats win.

[ProSense]

5. After all the posts on this board and other liberal blogs

praising Hagel, nothing should be taken for granted. He's a wingnut and Republicans will vote for him. The problem is some Democrats seem willing to do the same too. After Lieberman, take nothing for granted.