Possible Kleeb candidacy opens up wider choice

Is Scott Kleeb in position to take advantage of an "Obama bounce"?

Perhaps, but first, he has to confirm that he will, indeed, seek the Nebraska Democratic nomination for U.S. Senator.

Then, he will have to get past the financial muscle of Tony Raimondo, who became a Democrat only recently to make his own Senate campaign possible.

Next, he has to introduce himself to eastern Nebraska, where he has an uphill battle in overcoming the name recognition of former Lincoln mayor, Nebraska governor and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns.

But if he is able to wind up on the November ballot against Johanns, the unsuccessful 3rd District congressional candidate may be able to snag some of the same voters attracted by the Barack Obama campaign.

Will it be enough to land the newcomer a seat in the Senate, representing largely Republican Nebraska?

Perhaps not, but in his unsuccessful race against Adrian Smith, Kleeb did land 45 percent of the vote in the 3rd District, which is 59 percent Republican.

Voters concerned about foreign affairs may be attracted by Kleeb, born in Turkey, with a degree in political science, master's in international relations and a doctorate in history from Yale.

Opponents may point out that he's never held an elected office.

Kleeb will have an uphill battle if he does, indeed, announce Monday that he intends to run for the U.S. Senate.

But, he will, at least for those inclined to consider voting for a Democrat, help offer a wider variety of choices in the race.