From the New Nebraska Network
We're going to have a lot to say today about Scott Kleeb's speech last night at the Truman Dinner. For now, I want to give you an idea of how the local media sees it.
The best headline probably comes from the AP story.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Scott Kleeb sounded like a candidate tonight, speaking of change and building a better Nebraska.
The Hastings Democrat also attacked the politicians and polices that for punish small businesses, keep health care from those who need it most and ignore global warming.
But at a meeting of hundreds of party faithful, Kleeb didn't say it he was a candidate for U.S. Senate of any other office.
The Lincoln Journal Star
Scott Kleeb on Friday urged Douglas County Democrats to help create "a new brand of politics" that constructs a platform for change.
"We need to build a new majority that will bring people together, bridge old divides and forge a way forward for everyone," Kleeb told the county party’s annual Truman Dinner.
Kleeb’s featured appearance before Omaha Democrats helped set the stage for a decision on whether he’ll seek his party’s 2008 Senate nomination.
"For too long, we as a country have talked about rights without talking about duties," Kleeb said in prepared remarks.
"For too long as a country, we’ve talked about benefits without talking about burdens.
"For too long, we as a country have not talked about obligations and sacrifice."
The Omaha World-Herald focused on both potential U.S. Senate candidates.
Democrats Scott Kleeb and Tony Raimondo played it coy Friday about their prospective U.S. Senate plans, but both sounded like candidates.
Kleeb and Raimondo spoke at a gathering of about 300 at the Douglas County Democratic Party's annual Harry S. Truman Dinner.
Kleeb talked about change, saying this nation needs to work toward universal health care and energy independence.
Raimondo, who became a Democrat in December, talked about the need for moderates in Washington, D.C., and his belief that middle-income Americans are being ignored.
Kleeb, a former Democratic congressional candidate, was met with warm applause. Raimondo, a political newcomer, got a lukewarm reception.
"Raimondo was OK, but as far as I'm concerned, he did not bring the room down," said Mark Begley, an Omaha Democrat who was clearly impressed with Kleeb.
Also of note in the World-Herald article, outgoing state chair Steve Achelpohl gives his take on a potential primary between Raimondo and Kleeb.
Neither Kleeb nor Raimondo indicated when he would make a decision. But if both men got into the race, it would set the stage for a competitive Democratic primary.
"A contested primary would have a great deal of benefit. It would pull Johanns out of the public limelight and bring our guys out there," said Steve Achelpohl, chairman of the Nebraska Democratic Party.
Several candidates and activists that I spoke to last night felt that a competitive primary would help us in nonpartisan races where turnout is often the ballgame. It certainly would do a lot to energize the party - and, as Achelpohl notes, keeps the media spotlight on the Democrats for a change.
We'll give you more of an "on-the-ground" take later, but for now, there's this: I don't think there was anyone in the room last night who left without the sense that Scott Kleeb is a candidate for United States Senate. Get ready. Step forward. We might just get Scott Kleeb in this race.