Nebraska attorney general yields to Johanns

Former Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns (R) has a clear path to the Senate, at least for the time being, after Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning (R) dropped out of the race for retiring Sen. Chuck Hagel’s (R-Neb.) seat on Tuesday.

{mosads}The Associated Press reported that, at a press conference in Omaha, Bruning said he was ending his months-old campaign, which had raised $1 million and threatened Hagel with a primary challenge before the senator announced he would not run again.

Johanns, who entered the race after Hagel’s departure, was seen as the prohibitive frontrunner in the race, while the up-and-coming Bruning was regarded as a potentially strong primary foe. Bruning has instead decided to endorse Johanns.

Businessman Pat Flynn remains in the race as a long shot on the Republican side.

Democrats were unable to woo former Sen. Bob Kerrey (Neb.) or Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey to enter the race. Former congressional candidate Scott Kleeb (D) is still weighing a run.