Anti-War Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE) is going to announce his future plans here in Omaha on Monday. The word on the street is that he’s going to announce his retirement and state that he will not run for president.

I see Hagel’s move as a recognition of Paul’s success — his solidification of the anti-war conservative vote. Hagel’s decision not to run will (hopefully) force establishment anti war republicans (like Bob Novak) to back Paul.

Locally, the rumor is that former Democratic Gov. and Sen. Bob Kerrey, the liberal war hawk, will run ofr the seat — and walk away with it.