Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) is set to announce he will not seek reelection, according to sources, leaving his seat as a strong pickup opportunity for the GOP in the 2012 election.
Nelson could announce his retirement as early as today, according to sources familiar with his plans. The news was first reported by Politico.
The national Democratic Party had spent more than $1 million in advertising this year driving up Nelson’s personal approval rating, perhaps in hopes of convincing him that he could win in a dark red state.
Full story: Sen. Ben Nelson won’t seek reelection – The Washington Post.