Kleeb to run for Senate

Former congressional candidate Scott Kleeb will run for the Democratic nomination for Senate in Nebraska, he announced Sunday on his website.

{mosads}Kleeb said he will file the paperwork on Monday to run for the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Chuck Hagel (R). He will face a primary with businessman Tony Raimondo, who initially joined the race as a Republican but is now running as a Democrat.

The winner is likely to face former Gov. Mike Johanns (R), who left his job as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to run for the seat.

Kleeb, a 32-year-old rancher and history teacher at Hastings College, lost a spirited open seat race to Rep. Adrian Smith in 2006 by 10 points, a strong showing in a conservative House district. He also considered running against Smith again this cycle.

“After a long conversation with my family and many of you across the state, I have come to the conclusion that the best way to serve my country is by joining the political process and running for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate,” Kleeb said on his website.