OMAHA, Neb. (AP) _ Former Sen. Bob Kerrey says he won't seek the
Democratic nomination to replace retiring Sen. Ben Nelson of
Nebraska.

     Kerrey's announcement Tuesday shuts down hopes for a bid both
parties called Democrats' best chance to hold on to the seat.
Kerrey himself had described it as a longshot.

     The 1992 presidential candidate and former Nebraska governor
moved to New York City after giving up his seat. He spent nearly a
week in Nebraska this month to seek advice about whether to run in
a state that's drifted ideologically away from him since he left.

     Nelson's decision not to seek another term this year came as a
boon to Republicans, who must net four seats to retake the Senate.
And they've prioritized capturing the lone Democratic seat in
Nebraska's congressional delegation.